The final two letters were addressed to the churches in Philadelphia and Laodicea. Remember that within each letter, Jesus introduces a specific characteristic of His that is crucial for the respective church. Subsequently, He acknowledges the works of the church, urging them to strive for greater depth and authenticity in their faith. The letters conclude with stern warnings, reminding the church to diligently heed these admonitions in order to attain their ultimate reward in Christ.
Philadelphia – Endure Patiently
Philadelphia (modern-day Alashehir), is a city of commercial significance located as the gateway to the high central plateau of the Roman province of Asia. “Philadelphia” means brotherly love and was named in honour of Attalus II, who showed great loyalty to his brother. It is strategically positioned along trade routes and was home to temples dedicated to Zeus and the emperor. After a destructive earthquake in AD 17, the city was temporarily renamed Neocaesarea as a gesture of gratitude towards the emperor for his assistance.
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
Revelation 3:7 (NIV)
The key to the house of David was entrusted to the steward, serving as a means to access and unlock every door and gate within the palace. It was most likely made of bronze and possessed a significant size, requiring it to be worn around the steward’s neck. The key symbolizes the authority of the steward to make authoritative decisions in the best interest of the king, signifying the steward’s elevated status. The palace of David held such immense significance that the Israelites would have regarded it with even greater reverence than heaven itself.
Jesus introduces Himself to the people of Philadelphia as the one who holds the key to the house of David. This reference may allude to the prophecy of Eliakim in the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 22:22). The descendants of David, who had returned from exile in Babylon, would have yearned for the glorious days of their ancestors and desired the honour of possessing the keys to David’s palace. However, unlike Eliakim, who faltered under the weight of his responsibility of an earthly castle, Jesus asserts His authority by granting us the keys to an even greater palace – the kingdom of Heaven itself (Matthew 16:19). In this profound statement, Jesus offers us insight into his divine purpose and our eternal destiny.
I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Revelation 3:9 (NIV)
“Synagogue of satan” could be alluding to the local Jewish community who were preventing the believers from accessing their place of worship by imposing various restrictions upon them. They may have imposed strict adherence to Jewish traditions, as seen in Acts 15 where circumcision was prioritised over one’s faith. These individuals failed to grasp the authentic intent of God and instead deluded themselves into a false sense of righteousness. They rigidly adhered to their traditions, impeding those who genuinely sought to worship God, consequently transforming the temple into a synagogue of satan.
Even today, some people continue to establish stringent regulations and limitations on those who have recently placed their faith in Christ. This places a significant burden on new believers, causing them to question their convictions and potentially waver in their faith in God. Those who prioritize such restrictions over the proclamation of God’s love run the risk of operating churches that serve the purpose of satan, rather than a temple of God.
The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.
Revelation 3:12 (NIV)
The believers in Philadelphia would have faced a unique challenge when it came to worshipping in the temple alongside their Jewish friends. Sp Jesus offered them a remarkable invitation to be part of the Ultimate temple in Heaven – a dwelling place beyond compare. He will make them pillars of His temple, where they would find a true sense of belonging and purpose. They could take comfort in knowing that God would inscribe His name upon them, granting them a new and cherished identity.
In the spirit of gratitude and resilience, the people of Philadelphia renamed their city to honour the emperor Caesar, who valiantly assisted them during the catastrophic earthquakes of the early century. However, the city will soon receive a new name, bestowed upon them by God, symbolizing their unwavering faith and unbreakable spirit. It was a promise that would have brought hope and optimism to their hearts.
Laodicea – Take your Stand
Laodicea thrived as a prominent city in Phrygia during the Roman era. Renowned for its flourishing banking establishments, prestigious medical school, and thriving textile industry, Laodicea stood as a testament to prosperity. However, it wrestled with a critical challenge—an inadequate water supply. Despite this setback, the city prospered and emerged as a bustling hub for banking, medicine, and the production of textiles. Its notable deities included Zeus and Men Karou, the god of healing. In addressing the inhabitants of Laodicea, Jesus presents Himself as the sovereign of God’s creation. He graciously extends an invitation to those who follow the path of righteousness, granting them the privilege of sharing in His divine authority by sitting upon His throne.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)
The city of Laodicea was known for its lukewarm water due to its distance from the aqueduct. Lukewarm water neither provided the healing properties of the hot springs that one could obtain in Hierapolis nor the refreshing coolness of the mountain streams that flow from Colossae. Similarly, the church in Laodicea was described as being lukewarm, lacking the fervour and vitality to bring spiritual healing or renewal to its members. This state of lukewarmness left the church in a spiritually stagnant and ineffective condition.
When it comes to our faith, it is important to strive for a passionate and dedicated approach rather than settling for lukewarmness. Just like we prefer our tea either hot or cold, let us embrace a vibrant and enthusiastic faith that leaves no room for wishy-washiness. We can either choose to walk away from God or a firm decision to fully commit to Him as there exists no middle ground in Christ.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Revelation 3:17 (NIV)
While appearing for their final examination if a student has the self-awareness of how bad they would perform, then can drop out and pursue another field rather than the ones who are oblivious to their true state and wait for the final marks in hopes of passing. Similarly, let us evaluate our spiritual health and make an informed decision to take a bold and unwavering stand in our spiritual journey.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Revelation 3:18 (NIV)
The Laodiceans were proud of their thriving banking and textiles industries and their medicinal advancement. To them, Jesus offers gold refined in fire, white clothes to cover their nakedness and salve to cure their eyesight. Laodiceans, known for their prosperous industries and self-assuredness, are encouraged by Jesus to humbly embrace His assistance in fostering their faith. Likewise, Jesus urges us to abandon our dependence on earthly riches and instead prioritize the immeasurable spiritual riches that can only come by building a genuine relationship with our Father.
Discussion Questions
- Why does Jesus call himself the beholder of the keys of David?
- In the context of Philadelphia, what is a synagogue of satan? Is there a synagogue of satan in our lives?
- Why did Christ offer to make the believers in Philadelphia a pillar in the temple of God?
- How are we worse off if we are lukewarm in our faith than cold?
- How can we lack self unawareness to realise the true state of our faith?
- Why does Christ offer the people of Laodicea gold refined in fire, white clothes to cover their nakedness and salve to cure their eyesight?
The Jordan Valley 
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