In examining the church at Philadelphia I am underlining the characteristics of the church that Jesus has no problem with. Philadelphia used to suffer from tremendous earth tremors meaning the people of the city had to move from the dangerous structures to live in huts in the outskirts. It is also a wine making area. When we look at the seven churches we find the characteristics of the place where the church is plays a part in the construction of Jesus' letter to that church. Here we find the people had to exit the structures to live in small huts. It is my conviction that as a church era, Philadelphia is those who have come out from Thyatira and Sardis and began to seek the Lord according to scripture not history.
Other evidences for this is the wine making characteristic of Philadelphia. Jesus spoke of new wine needing new wine skins. The new wine would be the fellowship and love of the New Covenant believers that could not be stored in the old way... temples, ritual, presiding officials. The new wine would require new wine skins, a new way to do things. The Apostles followed Jesus command to 'this do in remembrance of me' and met in homes around food. This new wineskin is what many are recognising as biblical ekklesia... a return to the way Jesus told us to do church and the apostles followed on. Also note that the 'wine,' Jesus' desire for all believers is accomplished through love among His people. It is not insignificant that 'Philapelphia' can be translated 'Brotherly love' or simply 'the friendly church.'
Rev 3:8
Because Philapelphia was used by the Romans as a centre for Greek culture some say 'Philadelphia' is the missionary church. I do think that the biblical church can be more missions focussed but there is a problem with calling Philadelphia 'the missionary church.' In verse 8 Jesus states clearly the implication of verse 7. He knows our deeds! He has placed a door that no one can shut. Is this really true of any missions era in the church? I've seen missions work closed down through funding being pulled, people taking charge and making business decisions in missions instead of being led by the Spirit. I feel it is romantic to say Jesus has caused mission work that no man stopped. So I reject the idea that Philadelpia is a mission era in church for that reason. While there have been many courageous exploits carried out by better men than me, 'an open door no-one can shut' is simply not true of missions work.
Verse 8 also stated 'you have little strength.' The Greek word here is dunamis which is connected to the Lord's power working through people. This statement is that they have little (of their own) dunamis. This church received no bad report because they yielded their strength / power / workings to the Lord. This is exactly what the Lord is trying to get us to see. It is not our own talent, ability, strength that is the key. It is our side-stepping to allow the Lord to work through us that sits well with the Lord. Philadelphia also kept Jesus' word and not denied His name. This yielded group also did what the word of God said. But not only that, they walked in out well and represented Jesus well. What's the difference in these terms?
There are people in Sardis and Thyatira (Roman Catholicism and Protestant denominationalism) who are representing Jesus well but not obeying Jesus' word on how to meet together. There are some who meet as per Jesus command yet walk as if they can behave as they please. Being yielded to Jesus, doing what He said and walking it out well is commendable according to this letter. In 3:4 we find Sardis and those who soil their garments. The garments are the white raiment that are imputed holiness and righteousness from the Lord when we believe, repent and follow. If white raiment is given to us, how can we muddy these garments? Our wretched version of holiness and righteousness cannot affect this garment as it is Jesus' status imputed to us. We muddy the white garments when we disobey the word of God. We can be walking well but not in the right context of church.
The problems with the other churches (except Smyrna the persecuted church) is an erosion of these three things that Philadelphia gets right. From Smyrna we find all the churches departed from following Jesus command for church to 'this do in remembrance of me.' Philadelphia is a coming back to Jesus word, yielding to him and walking it our in faith and repentance. Up until verse 8 we have observed two things about Philadelphia. Firstly they distanced themselves from anything that could hinder their engaging and anchoring into Jesus. Secondly, when they engaged the Lord (or by the Lord), they anchored into Him and were able to render all to Him. Philadelphia was a church that allowed Jesus to work in and through them.
Do you want to be in a position where the Lord can work in and through you unhindered? Message me for detail of how the church hinders Jesus work to let His Kingdom come and His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Gary Ward
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