7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write : He who is holy , who is true , who has the key of David , who opens and no one will shut , and who shuts and no one opens , says this : 8 ' I know your deeds . Behold , I have put before you an open door which no one can shut , because you have a little power , and have kept My word , and have not denied My name . 9 'Behold , I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan , who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie -I will make them come and bow down at your feet , and make them know that I have loved you. 10 'Because you have kept the word of My perseverance , I also will keep you from the hour of testing , that hour which is about to come upon the whole world , to test those who dwell on the earth . 11 ' I am coming quickly ; hold fast what you have , so that no one will take your crown . 12 ' He who overcomes , I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God , and he will not go out from it anymore ; and I will write on him the name of My God , 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 . 13 ' He who has an ear , let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches .'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Revelation 3:7-13
Commentary on Revelation 3:7-13
(Read Revelation 3:7-13)
The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they may be. The church in Philadelphia is commended; yet with a gentle reproof. Although Christ accepts a little strength, yet believers must not rest satisfied in a little, but strive to grow in grace, to be strong in faith, giving glory to God. Christ can discover this his favour to his people, so that their enemies shall be forced to acknowledge it. This, by the grace of Christ, will soften their enemies, and make them desire to be admitted into communion with his people. Christ promises preserving grace in the most trying times, as the reward of past faithfulness; To him that hath shall be given. Those who keep the gospel in a time of peace, shall be kept by Christ in an hour of temptation; and the same Divine grace that has made them fruitful in times of peace, will make them faithful in times of persecution. Christ promises a glorious reward to the victorious believer. He shall be a monumental pillar in the temple of God; a monument of the free and powerful grace of God; a monument that shall never be defaced or removed. On this pillar shall be written the new name of Christ; by this will appear, under whom the believer fought the good fight, and came off victorious.