7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
The letter to Philadelphia Church is one of the only two letters that the Lord did not reprimand. The second letter to Smyrna Church was first, which described the Church under severe persecution. The period after the apostles until Constantine became king was under intense persecution. The letter seems to be appropriately written to people of that period.
The letter to Philadelphia Church talks about the opening and closing of doors. Traditionally, this refers to the mission of opening doors to the Gospel for different people groups. The letter seems to encourage missionaries to continue their good works and that God will richly bless them with results. Interestingly between 1730 and 1940 is seen as the awakening of Christian mission work. Various mission organisations were established, and many great men and women of God were sent to the far East. William Carey (1761 – 1834), Hudson Taylor (1832 – 1905), Lottie Moon (1840 – 1912) and Jim Elliot (1927 – 1956) are some of the great names. Like what verse 12 has mentioned, they are made like pillars of God’s temple.
So how shall we look at this passage? Do we simply see it as a prophecy that has come true? Of course not; I believe every passage of the Bible is meant to be speaking to us. Although it is a prophecy, the passage is also talking to us. God wanted us to learn from these pillars to be dedicated to the ministry of sharing the Gospel. Before we preach overseas, let us start witnessing Christ locally. Also, please take up the next available opportunity for those who have not gone on a mission trip. For the young people, try spending two weeks or more in a mission field to feel the heartbeat of God.
Blessings.
