The Apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos during the cruel reign of Domitian. John’s crime was that he proclaimed and shared the saving message of the Lord Jesus (Revelation 1:9). On Patmos, John received a prophetic revelation but also seven letters to seven churches that existed at that time in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These letters are filled with correction and encouragement not only for the believers in those days but also today.
The sixth church addressed was the church in Philadelphia which was approximately 38 miles from Sardis. “A king from Pergamos, Attalus II (159-138 B.C.), founded it. The town received its name from his nickname, Philadelphus (brother lover). This king had a special devotion to his brother, Eumenes II.”[1]
In Revelation 3:8, Jesus states that He had set before the church at Philadelphia an opportunity for ministry (“an open door”) even though they had “a little strength.” “A little strength” is not referring to them spiritually, but rather that they were a relatively small local church. “This Church is not marked by any display of power that would attract the notice of the world.”[2] Their strength came from the Lord rather than themselves (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).
“The church at Philadelphia had but little strength in itself; its source of power was ultimately the Lord. Whenever people rely on their own might, they are in trouble.”[3]
One lesson that we learn from the church in Philadelphia is that the size of a church does not hinder it from being fruitful for the Lord. We are effective for the Lord when we rely on Him for strength rather than ourselves. Then, we can do what we otherwise could not.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Steven