In the Book of Revelation (1:18), Jesus says that he holds the “keys of Death and Hades.” These keys are symbols of authority and power. They show that Christ has control over death and the world of the dead. In Christian belief, this authority also means access to the final and eternal kingdom of God.
The image of a door is also important in the message to the church in Philadelphia. When a door is shut, it means that an opportunity is permanently lost. When it is open, it means that there is still a chance to enter. In the letter to Philadelphia, the “open door” placed before the believers represents Jesus himself. Through him, they can enter the kingdom of heaven. No one can close this door if he has opened it Daily Tours Istanbul.
This message gave hope to the small Christian community in the city. It reminded them that their future was secure, even if they faced difficulties in the present.
A Small but Faithful Community
St John’s words suggest that the Christians in Philadelphia were either few in number, poor, or possibly both. They did not have great political or social power. However, they remained faithful. They did not deny the name of Jesus, even in difficult times.
In the same message, some Jews in Philadelphia are described in strong language, similar to the words used about the Jews in Smyrna. They are called the “assembly of Satan.” This phrase does not refer to all Jewish people but to a group who opposed the Christian believers. They are described as not being “true Jews” in a spiritual sense, but as people who claimed to be faithful while rejecting Christ.
The message says that these opponents will one day recognize that the risen Christ truly loves the Christian believers. They will understand that the faithful followers of Jesus were right to endure suffering and remain loyal.
Promise of Protection and Reward
The Christians in Philadelphia are praised because they followed the example of Jesus’ patient endurance. Even though they had little strength, they kept his word. Because of this, they are promised protection during a future time of trial that will come upon the whole world The Three Sacred Names and the Heavenly City.
The message also speaks about the Second Coming of Christ. Believers are encouraged to hold firmly to their faith so that no one may take their “crown,” meaning their reward. At the hour of testing, Jesus promises to stand by them.
Among the rewards mentioned is a powerful image: “The one who conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall never go out.” This is a beautiful promise of security and honor.
The Meaning of the Pillar
The Greek word stylos means “pillar” or “support.” In the Bible, this word is used both literally and symbolically. A pillar is something strong and stable. It supports a building and holds it upright. In a spiritual sense, becoming a pillar means becoming a permanent and honored part of God’s kingdom.
This image may refer to the two famous pillars that stood at the entrance of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. According to 1 Kings 7:21 and 2 Chronicles 3:17, King Solomon placed two large pillars at the front of the temple. The pillar on the left was named Boaz, and the one on the right was named Jachin (Yachin). These pillars were symbols of strength and stability.
By promising that faithful believers will become pillars in God’s temple, the message assures them that they will have a permanent place in God’s presence. They will never be removed or cast out. This promise would have been especially meaningful to the Christians of Philadelphia, who lived in a city often shaken by earthquakes and political uncertainty. The image of a strong and unshakable pillar gave them comfort and hope.
