I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8 NIV)
The church in the city of Philadelphia was one of two that Jesus had no criticism of. They were not among the biggest or most prosperous churches. In fact, by just about any human measure, these two churches had little to commend them. But outward appearances can be deceiving.
The church in Philadelphia was not strong. And life was not easy for this church. They had faced opposition and suffered at the hands of the local Jewish population. But they had endured patiently, were obedient to God’s word, and had not denied his name. Despite all that they had faced, they had remained faithful.
And Christ had placed before this church an open door that no one could shut. While this door could refer to an area of ministry given to them, it is more likely that it is the same door found in Revelation 3:20. For the church in Laodicea, the door was closed, and Jesus was knocking at it. But here, the door was wide open. It was a door standing open to heaven with Christ’s invitation to enter (Rev. 4:1). An open door that allowed them to approach God’s throne in heaven and receive grace and mercy to help them in their time of need (Heb. 4:16). And a door offering fellowship with Jesus (Rev. 3:20).
