Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

We have now come to the sixth letter, sent to one of the Asian churches, where observe, I. The inscription, showing, 1. For whom it was more immediately designed: The angel of the church of Philadelphia; this also was a city in Asia Minor, seated upon the borders of Mysia and Lydia, and had its name from that brotherly love for which it was eminent. We can hardly suppose that this name was given to it after it received the Christian religion, and that it was so called from that Christian... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Revelation 3:7-13

3:7-13 And to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia, write: These things says he who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no man will shut, and shuts and no man opens. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you a door which stands open and which no man shuts, because you have a little strength and because you have kept my word, and have not denied my name. Behold, I will give you those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who call themselves... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:11

Behold, I come quickly ,.... To bring on this hour of temptation on the reformed churches, which will be at the beginning of this period; to help and deliver, save and preserve the truly godly among them; to destroy antichrist, and introduce the latter day glory: hold that fast which thou hast ; either her grace in the exercise of it, as her faith, patience, &c.; or rather the doctrines of the Gospel, and the ordinances of it, which she had received, as delivered by Christ and his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:12

He that overcometh ,.... In the hour of temptation, in this period of time; that stands his ground then, sustains the shock of the beast, with courage and intrepidity, and overcomes him: will I make a pillar in the temple of my God ; by which is meant not the church triumphant, though such will have a place, and an abiding one there; but the church militant, so called in allusion to the temple at Jerusalem, for its author, matter, situation, strength, solidity, magnificence, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:13

He that hath an ear, let him hear ,.... See Gill on Revelation 2:7 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 3:11

Behold, I come quickly - These things will shortly take place; and I am coming with consolations and rewards to my faithful followers, and with judgments to my adversaries. Take thy crown - God has provided mansions for you; let none through your fall occupy those seats of blessedness. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 3:12

A pillar in the temple - There is probably all allusion here to the two pillars in the temple of Jerusalem, called Jachin and Boaz, stability and strength. The Church is the temple; Christ is the foundation on which it is built; and his ministers are the Pillars by which, under him, it is adorned and supported. St. Paul has the same allusions, Galatians 2:9 . I will write upon him the name of my God - That is, I will make him a priest unto myself. The priest had written on his forehead... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

The epistle to the Church at Philadelphia. The circuit continues in the same direction. Philadelphia lies about thirty miles south-east of Sardis, on the road to Laodicea. It is said to owe its name to Attalus Philadelphus, King of Pergamum, B.C. 159-138. But it is by no means certain that he was the founder. A trustworthy tradition as to its Egyptian origin points to Ptolemy Philadelphus, who had estates in Asia Minor (Theocr., 17.88). Lying at the western edge of a district whose... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

Philadelphias: the sovereignty of the Lord Jesus over the house of God. Although we know less of the Church at Philadelphia than of that at Smyrna, yet we think of it with almost equal feelings or affectionate regard. It is one of the two out of seven for which our Lord has no rebuke. He has for it only words of spur and cheer. It is weak, with "little strength." It is trusty. It has kept the faith. It has boldness, for it has "not denied Christ's Name." Demands had been made on its powers... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

Letter to the Church at Philadelphia. If asked to sum up in a word the main lesson of this letter, I would quote the saying of our Lord recorded by St. Luke, "Fear not, little flock." Such is the effect of a right reading of this most precious epistle. It is a heart-cheering word to all such Churches, and to every one of like character. For Philadelphia was— I. LITTLE . "Thou hast a little strength" (verse 8), or rather, "Thou hast small power." It refers not to her spiritual... read more

Group of Brands