SEVEN CHURCHES OF REV. 2 AND 3: PART 3

Andy C · Apr 3, 2024

Let’s recall the depth of the seven letters in Rev 2-3. I’ve mentioned that our visit to these ancient sites was orchestrated to emphasize their prophetic nature, but in the 1st century, these seven cities contained living viable congregations experiencing the very circumstances the Lord referenced in His letters. The fact that each letter was also meant for all seven congregations and each of their members; and that all are also applicable to every congregation and believer throughout the church age gives you an indication of their importance. You will want to review Part 1 and Part 2 before reading this one.

The Letter to Philadelphia

The letter to Philadelphia, (Rev 3:7-13) is indicative of the evangelical church that with Pentecostal, Fundamentalist and Charismatic variations began appearing in the middle 19th century. It was a time called “the Great Awakening” by church historians and included a renewal of Messianic hope. For centuries scholars had taught an allegorical interpretation of scripture, especially prophecy, but in the mid-1800s the rank and file was energized by a return to the literal interpretation. The pre-tribulation rapture and 1000 year reign of the Lord on Earth, views that were prevalent during the 1st century but abandoned with the allegorical interpretation were once again popular.

Then came the re-emergence of Spiritual Gifts, supposedly withdrawn with the canonization of Scripture centuries earlier. The body was torn apart by two forces; the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit for those who experienced it, and the cries of heresy by those who didn’t. Slowly at first but then in droves believers left the mainline denominations that with their documentary hypothesis and modern rationalism had denied the inspiration of Scripture, the miraculous power and even the deity of Jesus, and the validity of predictive prophecy. The true church was born again.