LifeGroup Discussion Guide

Let Them Hear Sermon Series 

Week Eight: Philadelphia

Philadelphia was the youngest of the cities addressed in the seven letters. It was a missionary city for Greek culture and language. It was named after Attalus II (“Philadelphus”). Due to volcanic activity, its citizens had to evacuate often. They were exempted from Roman taxes for five years but did not receive help rebuilding their city. Interestingly, the city changed names twice, to take on the names of their benefactors. 

Uniquely, Jesus’ description of himself to Philadelphia did not have clear parallels with Revelation 1, unlike the other churches. Jesus tells them He is holy (that He could do no wrong) and true (that He is always faithful to them,  unlike those who betrayed them or overlooked them) (v7a). The third description is that He has the key of David (7b; see Isaiah 22:22). Jesus is saying He has authority over the house of Israel; He has full authority which He exercises and delegates as He wills (Luke 1:32; Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22; Matthew 16:19). 

With such authority, Jesus tells them He has opened a door for them that no one can stop, referring to the opening of timely opportunity for ministry and service (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). Why? Because with their little power, they sustained God’s work, keeping His word, acknowledging His name, enduring patiently (v8, 10). In the same way, Jesus exhorts us to remain steadfast with obedience, courage and perseverance in ministry.

There were Jews in Philadelphia that persecuted these believers. As a result, they were excluded from the synagogue and alienated from the center of social life. Their steadfast witness was all the more commendable. Jesus tells this faithful church He will vindicate them (v9; see Genesis 50:20). So, denied access by their persecutors, it was all the more significant that Jesus gave access (open door) to them by His authority. 

Jesus assured them of His divine protection through “the hour of trial” (v10; Daniel 9:27; Jeremiah 30:7; also Matthew 24:21). Seeing Jesus’ exhortation through the seven letters was always to overcome adversity, it seems that He is assuring that rather than be exempt from suffering for His name, He will preserve them as they endure the Tribulation (2 Timothy 2:12). And to those overcomers, He promises rewards that are eternal. Not only will they be pillars, but they will be given three names – God, the new Jerusalem, and Christ’s own new name – all of which denote their belonging and intimacy with Him forever (v11-13), in contrast to their benefactors whose names they took but did not bless them. What a great promise! 

Weak though Philadelphia was, they leveraged their little power to sustain the work of the ministry, remaining steadfast in obedience, courage and perseverance in ministry, and consequently experienced Jesus’ authority, love, protection and eternal blessings.

Discuss these questions.

• What unique characteristics of Philadelphia are highlighted in Jesus’ message to this church?
  How does Jesus’ description of Himself relate to the challenges and opportunities this church faced? 

• How did the church in Philadelphia demonstrate faithfulness and perseverance despite facing persecution from Jews in their community? 
  

• What can we learn from the idea of Jesus opening a door for them that no one can shut?
  How does this apply to our own lives and God’s work today?

• Reflect on the promise of divine protection through “the hour of trial” and the rewards for overcomers.
  How does this message encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith and service to God?

• In light of Philadelphia’s example, what spiritual habit or rhythm do you currently practise that helps you remain steadfast in following Christ, even with your “little power”? How?