The city of Philadelphia is part of Sardis and it is 9 kilometers of land that is very fertile and used for growing a lot of food in the city of Sardis. The city has a lot of Greek culture and was founded in 189 BCE. Years later an Earthquake destroyed Philadelphia and there were many tremors afterward. It was believed that the citizens of the city could not be trusted and things would always fall apart.
Many of the people felt they could not live there because of the city not being in good shape, and the concern of always being hit by a stone if they walked the streets of the city. Shebna was at one time in charge of where David lived. She was going to be dealt with in a negative way for something that was done wrong.
King Yeshua is compared to Eliakim and authority is now in his hands. The Royal key that was given to David was the plan for the Nation.
“Behold, I will cause those of the gathering of the adversary (synagogue of Satan), who lie and say that they are Jews when they are not – I will make them come and bow down at your feet; and they shall know that I have loved you.” (Rev. 3:9) Unfortunately, throughout history, this verse has been grossly misinterpreted as Jews (the Synagogue) persecuting the Christian Church of Philadelphia. It is unknown about the synagogues in Philadelphia and they have lost a lot of members overtime.
In the days of Emperor Vespasian, Philadelphia changed its name yet again to Flavia to reflect the connection to a new imperial patron family (Flavius). With time, however, the city reverted back to its original name of Philadelphia.Isaiah 22:21 “Then I will give the key of the house of David upon his shoulder. And he will open, and no one will shut; and he will shut, and no one will open.”
Laodicea was a wealthy city due to its strategic location. The road from Ephesus to the east of Syria was a major trade route in Asia Minor, and it went through Laodicea. Revelation 3:7 To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 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. Lardocia was known for thier good schools and wood making businesses. They had an earthquake one day and had to rebuild themselves without much support. Flaccus, the province governor, became alarmed at the amount of money Jews were periodically sending to Jerusalem and even imposed an embargo (Cicero, Pro Flacco 28.68).
Despite the city’s wealth, the water quality was very poor in Laodicea. There were no freshwater sources in the vicinity to adequately. But Laodicea brought its water from miles away via an aqueduct. And this water was warm, murky, and had an unpleasant taste. So when Jesus spoke of spitting out Laodicea, the allusion to the city’s water is clear.
The letter recognizes the struggles gentile followers of Jesus faced living in a pagan world, but it calls them to persevere for the sake of a far greater future and extraordinary promises of eternity
Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Revelation 3:11-13
I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. I will make the one who overcomes into a pillar in the temple of my God. And he shall nevermore go out of it. And I will write the name of my God upon him, and the name of the city of my God – the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God – and my new name...
Revelation 3:14To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of Gods creation.
…you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, (Rev 3:17)
“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore, be zealous and repent.” (Rev 3:19)15:12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone should hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20)
Jesus’ַ symbolic knocking at the door of one’s heart. In proper context, the king wishes to join his followers in table fellowship, in eating together.
15:13 When they finished, James spoke up. Brothers, he said, listen to me.
15:14 Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles.
15:15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
15:16 After this I will return and rebuild Davids fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,
15:17 that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things
15:18 things known from long ago.
“To the one who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.” (Rev. 3:21-22)
Eating with one who is the first and last, who holds stars in his hand, a high priest who walks in the heavenly temple is not simple. Can one invite Yeshua to a polluted table? “Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you have become defiled.” (Lev. 18:24)
Closing Prayer; Heavenly Father we are all patiently enduring something in life.So help us keep your commands;pray for + love those around us,because we don’t know what my neighbors are enduring. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Salvation to become a child of Our Heavenly Father. Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and I know you will answer my prayers. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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