What were the characteristics of the church of Philadelphia?

Author: BibleAsk Team


The word Philadelphia means “brotherly love.” The Church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. It was named as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse.

History

This city was built before 138 B.C. It was named for Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamum in honor of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, who had ruled before him. An earthquake devastated the city in 17 AD. And, then the Roman emperor Tiberius build it again some 30 miles east-southeast of Sardis. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey.

Revelation 3:7-13

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:  “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.  Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

The Church of Philadelphia

The church at ancient Philadelphia was not large and it didn’t have great influence. However, it was pure, holy and faithful to God’s Word. The members of the church of Philadelphia devoted themselves to the study of scriptures, especially the prophecies of Daniel and of the Revelation. In addition, The members experienced personal victory over sin. Thus, the church was faithful and pure before God.

The Philadelphia church applies to the different movements of Protestantism during the end of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th. This church’s main goal was to create a living and personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ which was evident by the fruits of the Spirit in the life of its members.

The great evangelical and advent movements in Europe and the United States rekindled the spirit of Philadelphia or brotherly love. They stressed practical godliness in contrast with the empty forms of religion. They revived their faith in the saving grace of Christ and in the nearness of His return. Their actions showed a deeper spirit of Christian practical godliness and loving fellowship between the brothers. The church showed more love than they ever experienced since the early days of the Reformation.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team

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