Revelation 3:7-13 To Philadelphia: Hold on

Revelation 3:7-13 Jesus introduces Himself as holy and true, and then states that He has the key of David, with which to open and shut doors with finality. This seems a reference to Isaiah 22:22, in the middle of a prophecy in which the unrighteous steward (Shebna) is warned that he will be judged, removed, and replaced with a faithful steward (Eliakim) who will carry out the Master's will. In this context, Jesus identifies Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of that faithful steward. Jesus will do all of the things that He talked about faithful stewards doing in His parables. More than that, He will open doors for His charges, as is noted in verse 8. It is important to understand that when He opens a door, He intends for His people to go through it. He encourages them by stating that no one can shut it. He praises them because they have a little power, and have held true to His word and His name; that is the reason He opened this door for them.

          In Philadelphia there is no throne of Satan as there was in Pergamum. Instead, Jesus will vindicate the Christians in Philadelphia against those who lie, claiming to be Jews, but in reality serve Satan.  Jesus will make them know that He loves the Christians. The nature of this lie is probably bound up in false religion. Throughout the history of the Jews, there has been a consistent struggle over who speaks for YHWH. Moses and the prophets were constantly trying to explain to the Jews what God really said and what He did not say. Under the new covenant, the true Jews are those who receive Christ. But worshipping Satan is more than just refusing to accept Christ. The point of subsequent chapters is that at the end of history, there is no middle ground. Those who reject Christ have chosen Satan's way. If they were lied to or deceived, when the Truth becomes known, they must choose Him, or else they have rejected Him. The middle ground, of honest uncertainty or having been misled, is gone. Jesus will make His love for His people known. To reject His love because it is overwhelming is to reject Him. Francis Thompson (The Hound of Heaven) eloquently lays out this challenge, but in the end a choice will be made.

          Jesus promises to keep the faithful from the hour of testing. That hour is delineated in various passages and is the main subject of the Revelation. This promise is probably the strongest case for a pre-trib rapture of the saints. It does not mean that believers through the ages have been kept from trials and tribulations. On the contrary, persecution has been common since the time of Christ. But the hour of testing is when God's wrath will also be released, and He will keep His children from that.

          Jesus uses metaphors that will be familiar, such as crowns, pillars, His name, and the new Jerusalem. He alludes to His new name. Perhaps this is the name mentioned in Rev. 19:12 because we already know the names in Rev. 19:13 & 16. He advises the Philadelphians to hold fast and no one will take their crown. If a crown symbolizes authority in the kingdom of God, then it is reserved for those who put on Christ, who become like Him and cling to Him. Many  claim spiritual revelation and assert a claim to speak for God with authority. But it is Christlikeness that is God's prerequisite.