The 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.
Holy and True
“These things saith he that is holy, he that is true,” (Rev 3:7b KJV)
Here are two more titles of Jesus: Holy and True.
Holy – 40 ἅγιος hagios {hag’-ee-os}
Meaning: 1) most holy thing, a saint
True – 228 ἀληθινός alethinos {al-ay-thee-nos’}
Meaning: 1) that which has not only the name and resemblance, but the real nature corresponding to the name, in every respect corresponding to the idea signified by the name, real, true genuine 1a) opposite to what is fictitious, counterfeit, imaginary, simulated or pretended 1b) it contrasts realities with their semblances 1c) opposite to what is imperfect defective, frail, uncertain 2) true, veracious, sincere
Just as Jesus is holy and true, He calls his people to be holy and true. This is seen in each of the seven Churches when Jesus constantly reminds them “he that overcometh…”
The Key of David
“These things saith 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;” (Rev 3:7c KJV)
The Key of David that no man can shut or open is referring to the authority of Jesus in the kingdom.