Exhortations from Patmos
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 concerning not only the future but also seven letters to seven churches that existed in 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.
In Jesus’ letter to the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13), the Lord provides four criteria that identify a faithful church. In this series of posts, we will explore each of these criteria as described in verse 8, where the Lord commends the church.
Going Through the Open Door
Jesus begins by stating that He had provided them with an “open door.” This term means to provide an opportunity for the work of ministry (see Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). Charles Swindoll writes “As the geographical gateway to the East, Philadelphia sat at the crossroads of several languages, cultures, and people groups. From an evangelistic and missionary perspective, this dynamic, diminutive church had great opportunities for ministry.”[1]
The Lord gives each church an opportunity to do the work of ministry. However, will the members go through the door and take advantage of the opportunity? Warren Wiersbe once wrote, “Unbelief sees the obstacles, but faith sees the opportunities.”[2] The Philadelphians were exhorted to remain faithful by using the ministry opportunities the Lord had given them.
Are you taking the opportunities the Lord gives you to share the gospel and to serve Him? Perhaps this is in your local church, place of work, or any number of other opportunities.
The first characteristic of a faithful church is that it takes advantage of the opportunities that the Lord provides them. But the Philadelphians have a problem. How will they fulfill this if they have little power? The next post will seek to answer this.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven