Message by Larry Thacker Jr. from October 20, “To the Overcomer #6: Philadelphia”
We continue our study of Jesus’s messages to the seven churches. We will examine the message to the church in Philadelphia. No, not the one in Pennsylvania. This is the original Philadelphia, named for two founding brothers who showed uncommon devotion to each other. Thus comes the name meaning city of brotherly love. This is one of the churches for which Jesus had no stern words. He praised them for having a little power, faithfulness, and obedience. Furthermore, he promises them reward. He does not make clear what specific form these rewards would take. Some scholars have interpreted this passage as a statement of things to occur just before His return, but to do so violates the consistency of the broader text. The messages we have already considered were clearly meant for the time in which they were given. There is no reason to change direction here other than the difficulty of understanding the text in the same light. Finally, he ends as before with a promise to the overcomer. It is a message of permanence and belonging. Explore this with us and be blessed! The text is found in Revelation 3:7-13.
