Revelation 3:7 NIV

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 3:7

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write ,.... Of the city of Philadelphia; see Gill on Revelation 1:11 ; According to the Apostolical Constitutions F13 L. 7. c. 46. , one Demetrius was ordained bishop of this church by the Apostle John; but this is not to be depended on; nor is it known who this angel was: however, certain it is there was a church in this place in the "second" century, in the times of Ignatius, who wrote an epistle to it, and which then had a bishop or... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 3:7

He that is holy - In whom holiness essentially dwells, and from whom all holiness is derived. He that is true - He who is the fountain of truth; who cannot lie nor be imposed on; from whom all truth proceeds; and whose veracity in his Revelation is unimpeachable. He that hath the key of David - See this metaphor explained, Matthew 16:19 . Key is the emblem of authority and knowledge; the key of David is the regal right or authority of David. David could shut or open the kingdom of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7

He that is holy, he that is true. It is doubtful which of these two clauses should precede: authorities are somewhat evenly balanced. Christ, the Speaker, here claims to be "the Holy One" ( ἁ ἅγιος ), and therefore God ( Revelation 6:10 ; comp. Revelation 4:8 ; John 17:11 ). In the Old Testament "the Holy One" is a frequent name of God, especially in Isaiah 1:4 ; Isaiah 5:19 , Isaiah 5:24 ; Isaiah 10:7 , Isaiah 10:20 ; Isaiah 12:6 , etc.; Job 6:10 ; Jeremiah 1:1-19 ... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

(6) The epistle to the Church in Philadelphia: he Church in her fidelity rewarded. The "holy" and "true" One—the Holy One who is Truth, who has supreme power, opening and shutting at his will, and whose work none can withstand, he speaks his word of commendation and blessing and promise to his steadfast Church. The symbolical word is fidelity. The reward comprises— I. THE LORD 'S DISTINCT RECOGNITION OF THE CHURCH 'S FIDELITY . "I know thy works." To fight in view of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

The words of Christ to the Church at Philadelphia. "And to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia," etc. On a slope of Mount Tmolus stood Philadelphia, a city of Lydia, lying between Sardis and Laodicea. Attalus Philadelphus, after whose name it was called Philadelphia, founded it B.C. 140. It was a commercial city of commanding position and considerable importance, and well fortified withal. Through its adjoining valley the celebrated Xerxes led his forces on his way to Greece. On... read more

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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:7

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 3:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

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