Big Idea: Jesus commends his church for persevering in obedience under trying circumstances and reassures them with the promise of his eternal presence.

Understanding the Text

The message to the church in Philadelphia is the sixth in the series of messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3. To the churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia, Jesus offers no rebuke but only praise as they endure rejection for his sake. Although this Philadelphian congregation has “little strength,” it has endured opposition, which likely includes being expelled from the local synagogue (cf. a similar fate for Christians in Smyrna—Rev. 2:9). There are numerous Old Testament allusions in this message as Jesus denounces the opposition from the local synagogue and reassures his true people of their identity and…