Studies in Prophecy
The Hour of Temptation
“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,” (Rev 3:10a KJV)
The hour of temptation is referring to the wrath to come- the seven year tribulation that is about to be poured out upon the Earth (Rev 6-18). Jesus is promising that the Church that keeps His Word
Learn MoreThe Synagogue of Satan
“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie;” (Rev 3:9a KJV)
Just like the Church of Smyrna, the Church of Philadelphia was facing the opposition of Jews: those of the synagogue of Satan. Paul taught that a true Jew is not one that is Jewish outwardly but Jewish inwardly.
Learn MoreAn Open Door
“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” (Rev 3:8 KJV)
The open door is metaphoric of heaven. The fact that no one can shut the door shows that no one can take away your salvation. The Church of Philadelphia was the closest to what Jesus had in mind of the model Church. The door of heaven is open to the Church of Philadelphia
Learn MoreThe Church of Philadelphia
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write;” (Rev 3:7a KJV)
Philadelphia was 30-40 miles southeast of Sardis. It suffered from the earthquake of AD17. No one knows who founded the Church of Philadelphia and there’s not much evidence of a Jewish community there. It was primarily Gentile and had a connection with Ephesus and Paul’s ministry. The Church of Philadelphia was faithful to God and was a preserving Church.
Learn MoreThe Book of Life
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev 3:5 KJV)
The book of life represents our state of salvation. In order to enter into heaven we must have our names written in the book of life. The fact that Jesus is promising to not blot out the name of those that overcome shows that we must live overcoming lives or we will have our name blotted out of the book of life.
Learn MoreDefiled
“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments;“ (Rev 3:4a KJV)
Those that have not defiled their garments are those that are faithful to Jesus. The garment represents their lifestyle. They have not defiled themselves with sin but they have remained holy unto the Lord.
Defiled – 3435 μολύνω moluno {mol-oo’-no}
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