10 the Church at Philadelphia II

Philadelphia lacked the energy of Ephesus of the early church days, but it had three precious things first, a little power; second, obedience to Christ's word, third, not denying His name.

As with the messages to Ephesus, Thyatira and Sardis, Jesus knows their deeds. The idea of an open door that no-one can shut shows Jesus provided them a large open door for opportunity. In doing this for them He further says that because I am all powerful, no man can shut it.

Jesus wants to reassure the Philadelphians that the door to God's presence stands open because, like the fragility of the city in which they live, they know that they are weak and cannot in their own strength stand to oppose the world that they are about to face. Obedience to Jesus' command and allegiance to Jesus' person belong together; they have both kept [his] word and not denied their association with Him. They know to rely on the promises He gave them.

This church was unimportant in the world's eyes, probably few in number, poor in property, and low in the social scale. The Lord has a commendation for them. They loved Christ. Jesus answered and said, "If a man love me, he will keep my word" (John 14:23). This assembly of the church at Philadelphia, had a living response to the known word of the blessed Lord. The destination (v.7a) is the church in the city of Philadelphia, which means "brotherly love."