HERE COMES THE SON
Learning from the Church at Philadelphia
Philippe R. Sterling
Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
Here comes the sun (doo-doo-doo)
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right
Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun (doo-doo-doo)
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Here comes the sun (doo-doo-doo)
Here comes the sun
It's all right
It's all right
Here Comes the Sun was written by George Harrison and was featured on the Beatles’ album Abbey Road in 1969. The lyrics reflect his relief at the arrival of spring and the temporary respite he was experiencing from the band's business affairs.
Jesus is coming soon. How should our lives change when we realize Jesus is coming soon? What effect does it have on my thoughts and actions when I realize that Jesus is coming soon?
Destination: And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
As the team from Jesus and John to the seven cities reached Philadelphia, their number had dwindled to two, the messengers to Philadelphia and Laodicea. Jesus’ words to this church are fully positive.
Philadelphia was founded at some point after 189 B.C. at the junction of the approaches to Mysia, Lydia, and Phrygia. It was called “the gateway to the East.” It also was called “little Athens” because of the many temples in the city. Its founder, Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamum, from whom the city derived its name, intended it to be a center of missionary activity for the Hellenistic way of life.
Volcanic activity caused earthquakes from time to time. The devastating earthquake of AD 17 which leveled twelve cities of Asia Minor was severe in Philadelphia. The Emperor Tiberius rebuilt the city after the earthquake. In commemoration, the city changed its name to “New Caesar.” Later the name Philadelphia would reappear.
The church at Philadelphia was one of the strongest of the seven congregations. Outwardly, it was small. But inwardly, it was a dynamic and faithful church. The letter contains no censure and is full of commendation.
Portrayal of Jesus: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
Jesus describes Himself as Holy and true. The one who holds the key of David. What He opens stays open. What He closes stays closed.
“He who is holy”
Jesus is holy in His character, His words, His actions, and His purposes. Nothing can be compared to Him. “The Holy One” is a common title for the Messiah.
“He who is true”
Jesus is the original, not a copy. He is the authentic God.
“He who has the key of David”
The background of this imagery is Isaiah 22:15-25. Assyria had invaded Judah and the Jewish leaders were trusting Egypt, not God, to deliver the nation. One of the treacherous leaders was Shebna who was using his office not for the good of the people but for his own gain. God saw to it that Shebna was removed from office and that a faithful man, Eliakim, was put in his place and given the keys of authority. Eliakim is a picture of Jesus, the dependable administrator of the affairs of God’s people. Jesus also has the keys of hades and of death (1:18).
“He who opens . . . and who shuts”
Eliakim held the office of Key-holder in King David’s palace. His office gave him full authority to act on behalf of the king. If he unlocked a palace door, it remained locked. Just like Eliakim, Jesus is the ultimate key-holder. Jesus is the one who opens and closes doors.
Praise for the Church: I know your deeds . . .
“I know your deeds”
Jesus has a thorough knowledge of the situation in Philadelphia. Before He finishes His acknowledgement of their works, He prematurely injects words of encouragement. Perhaps as He thought of the sterling quality of their works, He takes the unique step of expressing His support.
“I have put before you an open door”
What is the “open door” all about? Ramsey explains the expression in terms of Philadelphia’s geographic position at the eastern end of the valley leading up onto the great central plain. As the “keeper of the gateway to the plateau” it had been given a unique opportunity to carry the gospel to the cities of Phrygia.
When the Soviet Union was founded, it created the Iron Curtain. The Iron Curtain fell. When the Communists took over in China, they created the Bamboo Curtain. In spite of crackdowns, believers have continued to multiply in China. The word of God is not bound (2 Tim. 2:9).
“Because you have a little power”
Philadelphia was relatively small compared to the other cities of Asia Minor. Its greatest distinction was that it was strategically located on the Roman road. Early Christians would have traveled through Philadelphia as they journeyed east and west from Jerusalem to Rome. As they went, they were able spread the gospel both to Europe and Asia. The local congregation had stood firm despite persecution from the local Jewish synagogue (verse 9). Despite this opposition, the church is promised an open door of evangelistic and missionary opportunity. The church at Philadelphia had only a “little strength” (verse 8), but our Lord promised to do great things through them.
It is not the size or strength of a church that determines its ministry, but faith in the call and command of the Lord. If Jesus gives an open door, then He sees to it that they are able to walk through it.
“And have kept My word, and have not denied My name”
This church not only believed the Word of God, but obeyed it. They were a small group of people and yet they stood boldly and publicly for Christ.
“I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan . . . come and bow down at your feet . . .”
Vindication: All false religionists who persecute the followers of Christ will one day bow before them and know that He loved them. Jesus expresses His love in special ways toward believers who obey Him and take a stand for Him.
“I will also keep you from the hour of testing”
Protection: The Lord sometimes protects a faithful church from tribulation in this age and will rapture the Church before the Tribulation.
The “hour of testing” could refer to a time of trouble that the entire Roman world would undergo in the reader’s lifetimes. Jesus assures obedient believers in Philadelphia that they would have His protection during this time of turmoil.
This could also be a reference to the time of Tribulation that John describes in Revelation 6–19. The immediate reference could be to the official Roman persecutions that would come, but the ultimate reference is to the Tribulation that will encompass the earth before Jesus returns to establish His kingdom. Revelation 3:10 could be a promise that the church will not go through the Tribulation, but will be taken to be with Christ before it begins (see 1 Thess. 4:13–5:11). The following statement “I am coming quickly” strengthens this view.
Criticism of the Church
There is no criticism of this church. We have seen all the characteristics that made this church so highly approved by the Lord.
Penalty or Reward
Rewards are cited earlier.
Exhortation
“I am coming quickly” (see 22:7, 12, 20).
The Lord’s coming for believers can come at any time. This provides an encouragement for faithfulness.
“Hold fast what you have” (see 2:25).
Jesus’ exhortation is a simple encouragement to hold fast what they have. He tells them they’re doing great and to keep up the good work!
We are to hold fast what we have so that no one will take our crown. Don’t forfeit your crown. Eternal life is a free gift and cannot be lost but the reward of ruling with Christ forever requires faithfulness to the end (cf. 2:10).
During the time when the world is being tested, faithful believers will be receiving their crowns instead of experiencing the tribulation. Judgment begins with us (the house of God), but when it moves to the world, we will be removed to heaven to receive our crowns. When it comes time for the world to be tested, it will be time for faithful believers to be crowned.
Promises to Overcomers
Most of this letter is composed of promises. Jesus promises several different eternal rewards for the believer who overcomes.
“Pillar in the temple of My God”
The believer who has been faithful to the end will become a pillar in the temple of His God. Since the Father and Son will be the temple in the New Jerusalem, this reward is probably an especially wonderful experience of nearness to God as well as a key position of support and prominence in God’s eternal kingdom. Second, the phrase “he will not go out from it anymore” refers to the permanence of these rewards. Once these positions of honor and authority are given to an overcomer, they shall never be rescinded. He is securely set as a “pillar” in Christ’s eternal kingdom and as such will never be separated from this special relationship to God.
The symbolism would be especially meaningful to people who lived in constant danger of earthquakes: the stability of the pillars, no need to go out or to flee, a heavenly city that nothing could destroy. Ancient cities often honored great leaders by erecting pillars with their names inscribed on them. God’s pillars are not made of stone. His pillars are faithful people who bear His name for His glory.
“I will write on him the name of My God”
“And the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem”
“And My new name”
Jesus will write three names upon the overcoming believer. Will these be literal tattoos?
Name implies understanding. Jesus will give special understanding of the Father, Himself, and the City. He will give the overcomer ownership and authority in the City and a special understanding of how the City works.
You ask, why do we need the name or understanding of the City? Have you ever been in a 1500 miles long, wide, and high city before? 1500 miles is from here to the east coast. You get out in the middle of the city and wonder, “Now, where am I? How does this place work?” That is a big City. It is not only 1500 miles in one direction, but it is also 1500 miles high.
You are going to want the understanding of that city. Jesus says, “I will write it on you. I will put the compass—the understanding of the glory of the city—and the authority to move about the city right inside of you.
I have been in a few big cities over the years. They are overwhelming, I mean, you could get lost in them. That is similar to what is going on in this city. Cities are mysterious. But there is a city of which He says, “I will write its name on you.”
Some are given the “key to a city” or are called a father of that city to honor their connection to that city. This honor points to one’s unusual authority, commitment and understanding of a city.
And He will write the name of the Father and His own name on us—His own new name. That means that there are facets of the person of the Father and of the Son which have not yet been made known, but which Jesus will make known to the overcomer. There are dimensions of Himself that Jesus wants to unveil.
General Admonition: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Jesus promised to keep them from the “hour of trial” which shall “come upon the whole world” (verse 10). If indeed this is a promise that the church will be removed in the rapture prior to the time of tribulation, then the promise to the church at Philadelphia is a promise to the church universal. This indicates that the specific instructions and promises of our Lord to these local churches are not limited to any particular era of church history. Rather, these instructions and promises are applicable to all the churches of all time.
Conclusion
Jesus is coming soon! We forget that so easily. We go about our daily lives as if this world is all that mattered. But Jesus is coming soon! He will reward His faithful servants. That promise should pull us forward through life. It should give us the focus to live each day to please Him at His coming.
For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the Lord of armies, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branches. But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic like calves from the stall. (Malachi 4:1-2)
WWJS to the faithful church: “Hold fast. I’m coming soon.”
Learning from the Church at Philadelphia
Philippe R. Sterling
Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
Here comes the sun (doo-doo-doo)
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right
Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun (doo-doo-doo)
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Here comes the sun (doo-doo-doo)
Here comes the sun
It's all right
It's all right
Here Comes the Sun was written by George Harrison and was featured on the Beatles’ album Abbey Road in 1969. The lyrics reflect his relief at the arrival of spring and the temporary respite he was experiencing from the band's business affairs.
Jesus is coming soon. How should our lives change when we realize Jesus is coming soon? What effect does it have on my thoughts and actions when I realize that Jesus is coming soon?
Destination: And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
As the team from Jesus and John to the seven cities reached Philadelphia, their number had dwindled to two, the messengers to Philadelphia and Laodicea. Jesus’ words to this church are fully positive.
Philadelphia was founded at some point after 189 B.C. at the junction of the approaches to Mysia, Lydia, and Phrygia. It was called “the gateway to the East.” It also was called “little Athens” because of the many temples in the city. Its founder, Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamum, from whom the city derived its name, intended it to be a center of missionary activity for the Hellenistic way of life.
Volcanic activity caused earthquakes from time to time. The devastating earthquake of AD 17 which leveled twelve cities of Asia Minor was severe in Philadelphia. The Emperor Tiberius rebuilt the city after the earthquake. In commemoration, the city changed its name to “New Caesar.” Later the name Philadelphia would reappear.
The church at Philadelphia was one of the strongest of the seven congregations. Outwardly, it was small. But inwardly, it was a dynamic and faithful church. The letter contains no censure and is full of commendation.
Portrayal of Jesus: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
Jesus describes Himself as Holy and true. The one who holds the key of David. What He opens stays open. What He closes stays closed.
“He who is holy”
Jesus is holy in His character, His words, His actions, and His purposes. Nothing can be compared to Him. “The Holy One” is a common title for the Messiah.
“He who is true”
Jesus is the original, not a copy. He is the authentic God.
“He who has the key of David”
The background of this imagery is Isaiah 22:15-25. Assyria had invaded Judah and the Jewish leaders were trusting Egypt, not God, to deliver the nation. One of the treacherous leaders was Shebna who was using his office not for the good of the people but for his own gain. God saw to it that Shebna was removed from office and that a faithful man, Eliakim, was put in his place and given the keys of authority. Eliakim is a picture of Jesus, the dependable administrator of the affairs of God’s people. Jesus also has the keys of hades and of death (1:18).
“He who opens . . . and who shuts”
Eliakim held the office of Key-holder in King David’s palace. His office gave him full authority to act on behalf of the king. If he unlocked a palace door, it remained locked. Just like Eliakim, Jesus is the ultimate key-holder. Jesus is the one who opens and closes doors.
Praise for the Church: I know your deeds . . .
“I know your deeds”
Jesus has a thorough knowledge of the situation in Philadelphia. Before He finishes His acknowledgement of their works, He prematurely injects words of encouragement. Perhaps as He thought of the sterling quality of their works, He takes the unique step of expressing His support.
“I have put before you an open door”
What is the “open door” all about? Ramsey explains the expression in terms of Philadelphia’s geographic position at the eastern end of the valley leading up onto the great central plain. As the “keeper of the gateway to the plateau” it had been given a unique opportunity to carry the gospel to the cities of Phrygia.
When the Soviet Union was founded, it created the Iron Curtain. The Iron Curtain fell. When the Communists took over in China, they created the Bamboo Curtain. In spite of crackdowns, believers have continued to multiply in China. The word of God is not bound (2 Tim. 2:9).
“Because you have a little power”
Philadelphia was relatively small compared to the other cities of Asia Minor. Its greatest distinction was that it was strategically located on the Roman road. Early Christians would have traveled through Philadelphia as they journeyed east and west from Jerusalem to Rome. As they went, they were able spread the gospel both to Europe and Asia. The local congregation had stood firm despite persecution from the local Jewish synagogue (verse 9). Despite this opposition, the church is promised an open door of evangelistic and missionary opportunity. The church at Philadelphia had only a “little strength” (verse 8), but our Lord promised to do great things through them.
It is not the size or strength of a church that determines its ministry, but faith in the call and command of the Lord. If Jesus gives an open door, then He sees to it that they are able to walk through it.
“And have kept My word, and have not denied My name”
This church not only believed the Word of God, but obeyed it. They were a small group of people and yet they stood boldly and publicly for Christ.
“I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan . . . come and bow down at your feet . . .”
Vindication: All false religionists who persecute the followers of Christ will one day bow before them and know that He loved them. Jesus expresses His love in special ways toward believers who obey Him and take a stand for Him.
“I will also keep you from the hour of testing”
Protection: The Lord sometimes protects a faithful church from tribulation in this age and will rapture the Church before the Tribulation.
The “hour of testing” could refer to a time of trouble that the entire Roman world would undergo in the reader’s lifetimes. Jesus assures obedient believers in Philadelphia that they would have His protection during this time of turmoil.
This could also be a reference to the time of Tribulation that John describes in Revelation 6–19. The immediate reference could be to the official Roman persecutions that would come, but the ultimate reference is to the Tribulation that will encompass the earth before Jesus returns to establish His kingdom. Revelation 3:10 could be a promise that the church will not go through the Tribulation, but will be taken to be with Christ before it begins (see 1 Thess. 4:13–5:11). The following statement “I am coming quickly” strengthens this view.
Criticism of the Church
There is no criticism of this church. We have seen all the characteristics that made this church so highly approved by the Lord.
Penalty or Reward
Rewards are cited earlier.
Exhortation
“I am coming quickly” (see 22:7, 12, 20).
The Lord’s coming for believers can come at any time. This provides an encouragement for faithfulness.
“Hold fast what you have” (see 2:25).
Jesus’ exhortation is a simple encouragement to hold fast what they have. He tells them they’re doing great and to keep up the good work!
We are to hold fast what we have so that no one will take our crown. Don’t forfeit your crown. Eternal life is a free gift and cannot be lost but the reward of ruling with Christ forever requires faithfulness to the end (cf. 2:10).
During the time when the world is being tested, faithful believers will be receiving their crowns instead of experiencing the tribulation. Judgment begins with us (the house of God), but when it moves to the world, we will be removed to heaven to receive our crowns. When it comes time for the world to be tested, it will be time for faithful believers to be crowned.
Promises to Overcomers
Most of this letter is composed of promises. Jesus promises several different eternal rewards for the believer who overcomes.
“Pillar in the temple of My God”
The believer who has been faithful to the end will become a pillar in the temple of His God. Since the Father and Son will be the temple in the New Jerusalem, this reward is probably an especially wonderful experience of nearness to God as well as a key position of support and prominence in God’s eternal kingdom. Second, the phrase “he will not go out from it anymore” refers to the permanence of these rewards. Once these positions of honor and authority are given to an overcomer, they shall never be rescinded. He is securely set as a “pillar” in Christ’s eternal kingdom and as such will never be separated from this special relationship to God.
The symbolism would be especially meaningful to people who lived in constant danger of earthquakes: the stability of the pillars, no need to go out or to flee, a heavenly city that nothing could destroy. Ancient cities often honored great leaders by erecting pillars with their names inscribed on them. God’s pillars are not made of stone. His pillars are faithful people who bear His name for His glory.
“I will write on him the name of My God”
“And the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem”
“And My new name”
Jesus will write three names upon the overcoming believer. Will these be literal tattoos?
Name implies understanding. Jesus will give special understanding of the Father, Himself, and the City. He will give the overcomer ownership and authority in the City and a special understanding of how the City works.
You ask, why do we need the name or understanding of the City? Have you ever been in a 1500 miles long, wide, and high city before? 1500 miles is from here to the east coast. You get out in the middle of the city and wonder, “Now, where am I? How does this place work?” That is a big City. It is not only 1500 miles in one direction, but it is also 1500 miles high.
You are going to want the understanding of that city. Jesus says, “I will write it on you. I will put the compass—the understanding of the glory of the city—and the authority to move about the city right inside of you.
I have been in a few big cities over the years. They are overwhelming, I mean, you could get lost in them. That is similar to what is going on in this city. Cities are mysterious. But there is a city of which He says, “I will write its name on you.”
Some are given the “key to a city” or are called a father of that city to honor their connection to that city. This honor points to one’s unusual authority, commitment and understanding of a city.
And He will write the name of the Father and His own name on us—His own new name. That means that there are facets of the person of the Father and of the Son which have not yet been made known, but which Jesus will make known to the overcomer. There are dimensions of Himself that Jesus wants to unveil.
General Admonition: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Jesus promised to keep them from the “hour of trial” which shall “come upon the whole world” (verse 10). If indeed this is a promise that the church will be removed in the rapture prior to the time of tribulation, then the promise to the church at Philadelphia is a promise to the church universal. This indicates that the specific instructions and promises of our Lord to these local churches are not limited to any particular era of church history. Rather, these instructions and promises are applicable to all the churches of all time.
Conclusion
Jesus is coming soon! We forget that so easily. We go about our daily lives as if this world is all that mattered. But Jesus is coming soon! He will reward His faithful servants. That promise should pull us forward through life. It should give us the focus to live each day to please Him at His coming.
For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the Lord of armies, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branches. But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic like calves from the stall. (Malachi 4:1-2)
WWJS to the faithful church: “Hold fast. I’m coming soon.”
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