21 Nov. Jesus encourages the Philadelphians to keep going
"Write this to the angel of the church in Philadelphia:"
"This is what the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David, says:
When he opens a door, no one can close it. And when he closes it, no one can open it. I know what you do. I have put an open door before you, which no one can close."
"I know you have [only] a little strength, but you have obeyed my teaching and were not afraid to speak my name."
"Those in the synagogue that belongs to Satan say they are Jews, but they are not true Jews; they are liars. I will make them come before you and bow at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you."
"You have obeyed my teaching about not giving up your faith. So I will keep you from the time of trouble that will come to the whole world to test those who live on earth."
"I am coming soon. Continue strong in your faith so that no one will take away your crown. I will make those who win the victory to become pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it."
"I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, that comes down out of heaven from my God. I will also write on them my new name."
"Everyone who has ears should listen to what the [Holy] Spirit says to the churches."
(Revelation 3:7-13)
The city of Philadelphia (meaning ‘brotherly love’), to whom this letter was sent, was founded by King Attalus II of Pergamum in c.150BC on the site of an earlier Lydian settlement. It became an important centre of Christianity in Asia Minor during later Roman (Byzantine) times.
The believers at Philadelphia had maintained their faith despite persecution from local Jews (from "the synagogue of Satan" - Revelation 3:9), and were encouraged to keep going until they received the ‘crown of victory’ at the end of the race of life. (Revelation 3:11)
They are reminded in this letter that, if they follow the Lord's will, nothing can get in the way to stop them as "I have put an open door before you, which no one can close."(Revelation 3:8)
Jesus promises to 'write his name' on the believers (like the branding of a slave with a hot iron) to signify that they 'belong' to him, and to confirm their citizenship of the 'new Jerusalem' that God will create at the end of time. (see Revelation 21:1-4)
The photo shows two of the huge masonry columns that supported the immense roof of the 6th century Cathedral church of St John the Divine at Philadelphia. Today, little else remains of the cathedral as most of it lies underneath the surrounding buildings of the modern Turkish town of Alaşehir.
You can read more about Philadelphia @ The Bible Journey | The messages to the believers living inland