The Seven Churches of Revelation, Part 2

The Seven “Churches” of Revelation

Part 2, Do You Need One Blessing or All Seven?

Chapter 26, Part 2 Preview: (Back to Part 1) Many opinions exist concerning what the “seven churches” of Revelation 2-3 represent. Some claim that they represent seven “attitudes” present during the entire “Church Age”. Others claim that they are seven consecutive historic periods or “eras” of “God’s Church”. Does the internal evidence in the Book of Revelation, concerning these “seven churches”, support these interpretations? Could they actually be seven Assemblies of people comprising the entire Congregation of God’s people alive today? Was the Book of Revelation meant to be understood? I submit that understanding the nature of the “seven churches” may become a life and death matter during the coming years.

It is an engineering nightmare to design a menorah using only one very large piece of gold. Why would God have stipulated this feat? Wouldnt it represent the actual oneness of the Assembly from God’s perspective, even if many of those people who compose the light have tunnel vision and do not grasp the concept? The lamps literally shine “in front of it”, but perhaps they dont shine from side to side enough to illuminate each other so that they are aware of their brethren!

Revelation 1:11-13 ... What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” 12 I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. 13 And among the lampstands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest. WEB

Exodus 25:31-40 You shall make a ‘lampstand’ [Hebrew: menorah] of pure gold. Of hammered work shall the lampstand be made, even its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers, shall be of one piece with it. 32 There shall be six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of its one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of its other side; 33 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower, so for the six branches going out of the lampstand; 34 and in the lampstand four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers; 35 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of the lampstand. 36 Their buds and their branches shall be of one piece with it, all of it one beaten work of pure gold. 37 You shall make its lamps seven, and they shall light its lamps to give light to the space in front of it. 38 Its snuffers and its snuff dishes shall be of pure gold. 39 It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these accessories. 40 See that you make them after their pattern, which has been shown to you on the mountain. WEB

The menorah pictured at the beginning of this chapter is a link to a Jewish organization devoted to rebuilding the Latter Temple. They hope to use that very menorah in the temple service. Perhaps they will, however they may be in for a surprise when the Two Witnesses of God’s “Way”, with powers not seen since the time of Elijah, show up with some “suggestions”. Is there a Jewish connection to the Philadelphian Assembly and the Smyrna Assembly?

Before moving on, I would like to clarify one point. I was taught, for example, that only those who were a part of the Philadelphia “era” would be “pillar[s]” in the New Jerusalem. All others were to sit in the back seat, so to speak, with lesser gifts. This is the verse of promise that was cited from Revelation 3:

Philadelphia: He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My own new name. WEB

I am simply going to list the other promises to those of us in the Assemblies (Churches), in Revelation 2 & 3 and then you decide which of them that you can do without!

Ephesus: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God. WEB

Smyrna: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Assemblies. He who overcomes wont be harmed by the second death. WEB

Pergamos: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it. WEB

Thyatira: He who overcomes, and he who keeps My works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations. 27 He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of My Father: 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Assemblies. WEB

Sardis: They will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Assemblies. WEB

Laodicea: He who overcomes, I will [grant] to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Assemblies. WEB

Seven times the words are used: “hear what the Spirit says to the churcheS” All seven of these gifts are given to all Seven Assemblies! This is the common thread that binds these Seven Assemblies into one body (altho very few individuals seem to know about it):

Romans 12:4-5 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members dont have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. WEB

Now if you are in agreement with this premise, then we will need to be looking for clues about the players in this end time drama that is being played out at this very moment. Because the accounts about the Seven Assemblies are so brief, we need to decipher as many of the “code words” as we can. Who are the “Nicolaitans”? What is “the Synagogue of Satan”? What is “Satan’s throne”? What is “the key of David”? What is “gold refined in the fire”?

Now for a much more detailed look at the “seven churches” in the order that my curiosity led me.

Who is Philadelphia?

A good place to start a commentary on the Philadelphian Congregation or Ecclesia would be to begin with some history. Here is some interesting history that I pulled up on a web search:

“If the Philadelphian Church had little power, so also had the city. It had suffered from earthquakes more than any other city of all Asia. In AD 17 a great earthquake had caused very serious damage; and the effects lasted for years after. The trembling of the earth continued for a long time, so that the inhabitants were afraid to repair the injured houses, or did so with careful provision against collapse. Two or three years later, when Strabo wrote, shocks of earthquake were an everyday occurrence. The walls of the houses were constantly gaping in cracks; and now one part of the city, now another part, was suffering. Few people ventured to live in the city; most spent their lives outside, and devoted themselves to cultivating the fertile Philadelphian territory. There is an obvious reference to this in a later sentence of the letter, where the promise is given to the faithful Philadelphians that they shall go out thence no more. Those who stayed in the city had to direct their attention to the motions of the earth, and guard against the danger of falling walls by devices of building and propping.”

“Gradually, as time passed, people recovered confidence. Subsequent history has shown that the situation about AD 17-20, as described by Strabo, was unusual. Philadelphia has not been more subject to earthquakes in subsequent time than other cities of Asia. So far as our scanty knowledge goes, Smyrna has suffered more. But when the Seven Letters were written the memory of that disastrous period was still fresh. People remembered, and perhaps still practiced, camping out in the open country; and they appreciated the comfort implied in the promise, verse 12, “he shall go out thence no more.”—(off site)

Here is an interesting fact about the founder of ancient Philadelphia. He was originally from Pergamos (also called Pergamum!—off site). Unless this is a coincidence, and God did not intend for this to be a noteworthy point, I would expect that the end time Assembly that is ultimately typified by this ancient city will share this same situation. I suspect that the “founder” or “messenger” of Philadelphia could not (or will not) tolerate the Nicolaitan form of church (ahem!) government, so leaving the wayward groups another “Assembly” was (or will be) organized. It’s also noteworthy that several cities went by the name Philadelphia:

“Philadelphia, name of several ancient cities. One was in Lydia, W Asia Minor (now W Turkey). At the foot of Mt. Tmolus and near the location of modern Alasehir, it was founded in the 2d cent. B.C. by Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamum. One of the Seven Ecclesias in Asia was there (Rev. 3:7). The city was damaged several times by earthquakes. Amman was also renamed Philadelphia by Ptolemy II.”—The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2003, Columbia University Press

“The Key of David”

Revelation 3:7 To the angel of the Assembly in Philadelphia write: “He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things .... WEB

Philadelphia is the Assembly that everyone says that they would like to be from; so it would be ridiculous not to try to understand precisely what the “code words” represent. Let’s start with “the Key of David”. Must we simply guess at what this represents? It is only mentioned in one other place. And what about the “door”? This is an open and shut case! There is only one other place in the Bible that shares both of these terminologies. It is there that the answers are to be found about the latter day fulfillment of Philadelphia’s role in the end time scheme of things.

The context of the first 15 verses of Isaiah 22 is all about the ancient fall of Jerusalem, but it is quite relevant to Philadelphia because those events will closely parallel the future of Philadelphia who are associated with the Two Witnesses. Isaiah 22:1-15 is about “the city of David” and “Judah”. I believe that the political events concerning “the inhabitants of Jerusalem” will be overtaken by the Two Witnesses. There will be a modern day evil Shebna who is replaced with a modern day Eliakim son of Hilkiah (not to be confused with the son of Abiud or the son of Melea) just prior to the next fall of Jerusalem, which is described in Luke 21:21-24.

Isaiah 22:15-25 Thus says the Lord, [Yehovah’] of Armies, “Go, get yourself to this treasurer, even to Shebna, who is over the house, and say, 16 ‘What are you doing here? Who has you here, that you have dug out a tomb here?’ Cutting himself out a tomb on high, chiseling a habitation for himself in the rock!” 17 Behold, [Yehovah] will overcome you and hurl you away violently. Yes, he will grasp you firmly. 18 He will surely wind you around and around, and throw you like a ball into a large country. There you will die, and there the chariots of your glory will be, you shame of your lord’s house. 19 I will thrust you from your office. You will be pulled down from your station. 20 It will happen in that day that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, 21 and I will clothe him with your robe, and strengthen him with your belt. I will commit your government into his hand; and he will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 I will lay The KEY OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID on his shoulder. He will open, and no one will shut. He will shut, and no one will open. 23 I will fasten him like a nail in a sure place. He will be for a throne of glory to his father’s house. 24 They will hang on him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, every small vessel, from the cups even to all the pitchers. 25 “In that day,” says [Yehovah] of Armies, “the nail that was fastened in a sure place will give way. It will be cut down, and fall. The burden that was on it will be cut off, for [Yehovah] has spoken it. WEB

This is what will at least initiate the astonishing change of heart within “Judah” and “the city of David”:

Zechariah 12:10-12 I will pour on the house of David, [“Judah”] and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, [“the City of David”] the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to Me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for Him, as one grieves for his firstborn. 11 In that day there will be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. 12 The land will mourn, every family .... WEB

It is difficult not to contrast the doors of Philadelphia and Laodicea. One is open and one is shut!

Revelation 3:8 ... I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept My word, and didnt deny My name. WEB

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and He with Me. WEB

Those Saints who use the “open door” will be involved with the rebuilding of God’s temple.

Jeremiah was given a similar commission. He was to address ancient Israel from a doorway. We often call it a “window of opportunity” today, however, a doorway would be a more convenient entry way for honest people:

Jeremiah 7:2-3 Stand in the gate [or door or entrance] of [Yehovah’s] house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of [Yehovah], all you of Judah, who enter in at these gates to worship [Yehovah]. 3 Thus says [Yehovah] of Armies, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. WEB

This time there will be a remnant of Israel, led by some of the members of the Seven Assemblies, into the Everlasting Kingdom. The term “door” has several times been used to refer to Jesus Himself and the works of the entire early Congregation:

John 10:7-9 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. 8 All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didnt listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. WEB

Paul said that Jesus had opened a door for him, while noting that in his case too there were adversaries:

1 Corinthians 16:8-9 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. WEB

Paul again mentioned a door in the context of opposition:

2 Corinthians 2:11-12 ... that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. 12 Now when I came to Troas for the Good News of Christ, and when a door was opened to me in the Lord .... WEB

Paul once more mentioned that chains were an impediment to an open door:

Colossians 4:2-3 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds .... WEB

The Two Witnesses will have a door that is wide open! There will be at least three and a half years of opportunity to speak the truth about God’s desire for Israel during the Great Tribulation. Once the Tribulation has begun, great miracles will accompany the message. The absence of effective opposition, due to God’s power, all by itself will make it onto the evening news daily. I expect at least some members of all Seven Assemblies to be involved.

Revelation 11:5-7 If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6 These have the power to shut up the sky, that it may not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. 7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them. WEB

Much of this grand story can be deciphered when we understand that the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11 are revealed to be the modern day Joshua and Zerubbabel. Simply compare the symbolism of Revelation 11 to Zechariah, particularly chapters 3 and 4. Philadelphia is to play the KEY role in building the next temple of God in the “Holy Place”:

Matthew 24:15-16 When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. WEB

Ezekiel chapters 40-48 thoroughly describes this “Holy Place” and defines the term that Matthew referred to:

Ezekiel 41:4 ... This is the Most Holy Place. WEB

Ezekiel 44:13 ... into the Most Holy Place. NKJV

Ezekiel 45:3 ... in it shall be the sanctuary, which is the most Holy Place. WEB

Ezekiel 45:4 ... a holy place for the sanctuary. WEB

The prophesied Beast cannot defile the Holy Place until another one is built!

Revelation 11:1-4 A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, “Rise, and measure God’s TEMPLE, and the altar, and those who worship in it. 2 Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and dont measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months. 3 I will give power to My Two Witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the TWO OLIVE TREES and the two ‘lampstands’ [Greek: menorah], standing before the Lord of the earth. WEB

Zechariah Chapters 3 & 4 is the only place in the Bible that you can turn to, to gather additional information about the futuristic “two olive trees”, of Revelation 11 fame; and we see them directly associated with the seven branches of the “lampstand” (Hebrew: menorah). The implication is that all Seven Assemblies should have an opportunity to help Zerubbabel finish the latter temple.

Zechariah 4:1-14 The angel who talked with me came again, and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 He said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I have seen, and behold, a lampstand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are on the top of it; 3 and TWO OLIVE TREES by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it” .... 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also finish it; and you will know that [Yehovah] of Armies has sent me to you .... 14 Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth. WEB

This is not an article on the Two Witnesses, but to be Philadelphian requires knowledge of them. They will be the next “big thing”! Did you ever wonder why the witnesses are to die in Jerusalem? Also, in the “Olivet Prophecy”—who will be fleeing Judea at the last moment? And what are these people doing in Jerusalem anyway?

Revelation 11:7-8 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them. 8 Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. WEB

Matthew 24:16-20 ... then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out things that are in his house. 18 Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days! 20 Pray that your flight will not be in [inclement weather], nor on a Sabbath .... WEB

How many members of the Assemblies will “persevere” or “endure” the project, or even acknowledge it? Time will tell. However, just as in the building of the last temple there will be fierce opposition. To deny the mission to rebuild the temple could result in your forfeiture your “crown”, but not necessarily your salvation.

Smyrna and Philadelphia are the congregations that are directly involved with the “synagogue of Satan”. The term is not used anywhere else in the Bible. However, all we need to do, to understand who these people are is to look to the past!

Revelation 3:9-11 Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you kept My command to endure, I also will keep you from “The Hour of [Trial]” which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown. WEB

The Philadelphian Assembly, and perhaps Pergamos, will provide modern day counterparts of “Zerubbabel and Jeshua”. They will be “discouraged” and “frustrated”“frustrated” by a future “synagogue of Satan”. When Zerubbabel and Joshua began rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, they were approached by Samaritans (off site) who claimed to be Jews. They claimed that they wanted to help with the work.

The rebuilding of the Temple will require stepping out on faith because God will not be blessing the project until after it is underway and the foundation has already been laid! Joshua and Zerubbabel will be doing God’s will prior to their 1260 day prophecy.

Haggai 2:18-19 Consider, please, from this day and backward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, since the day that the foundation of [Yehovah]’s temple was laid, consider it. 19 Is the seed yet in the barn? Yes, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree havent brought forth. From this day I will BLESS you. WEB

Notice that when the Two Witnesses being empowered with supernatural ability is associated with building God’s third temple! The measuring signals their arrival!

Revelation 11:1-3 A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, “Rise, and measure God’s temple, and the altar, and those who worship in it. 2 Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and dont measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months. 3 I will give power to My Two Witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. WEB

Again, notice Zechariah:

Zechariah 4:9-10 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also finish it; and you will know that [Yehovah] of Armies has sent me to you. 10 Indeed, who despises the day of small things? For these seven [lamps on the menorah—verse 2] shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are the eyes of [Yehovah], which run back and forth through the whole earth. WEB

The Rise of (Philadelphia’s) Eliakim

There is a story alluded to in Isaiah 22, that is elaborated upon in Isaiah chapters 36 and 37. The entire account is repeated in 2 Kings chapters 18 and 19. This kind of emphasis is virtually unique in scripture.

During the time of King Hezekiah, of Judah, when Sennacherib’s army was approaching Jerusalem to destroy it, there was a wicked official serving the king named Shebna. During this great crisis, three representatives of Judah went out to meet the general who was about to besiege the city. Shebna was the chief official of these men. Joah and Eliakim the son of Hilkiah were present as well. Little is said of Joah other than that he was “the recorder”. Due to his great vanity, and apparent lust for power, Shebna built a magnificent tomb for himself, carved from solid rock—a custom usually allotted to royalty. Perhaps he had low self esteem, but he wanted to die well! When Isaiah discovered this highly pompous action, he confronted the Judas treasurer and read him the riot act, so to speak. Isaiah prophesied to Shebna that God would cast him into a far off country, where he would die among the “commoners”. Shebna’s elaborate tomb would be virtually forgotten until about the time that God began breathing life into the Seven Assemblies!

Hezekiah’s steward Shebna was cast from political office and replaced with Eliakim. (Isaiah 22:15-25) The new KEY bearer was given the “key of the house of David”, and had the absolute power to open and shut (Isaiah 22:22). The expression apparently symbolizes the royal authority of the office. This is much the same as when Nebuchadnezzar promoted Daniel “and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon”. (Daniel 2:48) Some teach that Shebna and Eliakim are in the same “church”, spiritualizing away the reality of these events. Eliakim will cause a political coup and take control of Jerusalem from Shebna, but he is not of the same political party (or church). Shebna being evil, will not be a part of Philadelphia’s mission, but he in all likelihood will be seeking possession of the planned temple, for political power.

Just as we, to this very day, often give a symbolic “Key to the city” to individuals who have demonstrated some exemplary character, so shall it be, and more, to Eliakim the next KEY recipient. Again:

Isaiah 22:20-22 It will happen in that day that I will call my servant ‘Eliakim’ [which means “God of raising”] the son of Hilkiah, 21 and I will clothe him with your robe, and strengthen him with your [Shebna’s] belt. I will commit your government into his hand; and he will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 I will lay The KEY OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID on his shoulder. He will open, and no one will shut. He will shut, and no one will open. o he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open. WEB

Scripture also associates the term “key of David” to the Messiah Himself. Jesus, in Revelation 3:7. This should signify beyond all doubt the kingly authority that can be granted by Jesus, that Great King, who will empower a Philadelphian.

By associating the Key of David of the Philadelphia Congregation, with Isaiah 22, we should anticipate a latter day fulfillment by a modern day Eliakim. He will truly be a spiritual “father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” and he will be commissioned to rebuild the Latter Temple. This will be a literal temple, not simply a “church organization” as some would have you believe. The future of the Seven Assemblies hinges on their participation in this literal rebuilding. Ultimately, during the next fall of Jerusalem, God’s servant Eliakim will be killed in the streets of Jerusalem. (Revelation 11:7-8, Isaiah 22:25) Eliakim is one of several men associated, by typology, with the Two Witnesses. It appears that only one of the Two Witnesses is from Philadelphia. Perhaps a modern day Antipas, from the Pergamos Congregation, will be the other. Antipas, “my faithful martyr” is the only person, mentioned by name among the Seven Assemblies, who is not evil.

In a similar way, God will empower His two “anointed ones”. “And I will give power to My Two Witnesses ...” and perform even greater miracles thru these two men than He did thru Jesus! Since this hasnt happened yet it must happen then!

John 14:12 Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to My Father. WEB

God’s eons old plan is to regather Israel and fulfill the Covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The latter Temple is the focal point and rallying cry for the Second Exodus. The messages to Seven Assemblies tell a story. While the message was delivered long ago, it is yet to be heard.

Revelation 1:11 ... saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven Assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. WEB

Will the Assemblies heed the warnings and repent? Dont count on hearing another warning. Listen to John’s!

Most of the Sabbatarian Assemblies teach contrary to many Biblical truths. Is it any wonder that so many of the Assemblies of Revelation are such a sorry lot? However, is Philadelphia—said to have “little strength”—a negative statement? Could this mean spiritual strength? I think not, they are among the most spiritual and alert. The Online Bible Greek Lexicon lists six possible nuances of the word “strength”. Here are two of the usages that seem most applicable:

If this is the case, then Philadelphia will lack the wealth that Laodicea boasts of possessing, and they will truly have no glaring spiritual deficiencies. Yet they may be “little” numerically and economically because they have concentrated upon laying up their treasures in heaven with less concern for their careers. Laodicea, and perhaps others, are “rich” and “blind”:

Revelation 3:17 Because you [Laodiceans] say, ‘I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;’ [as in needing more truth] and dont know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked .... WEB

Most of the Sabbatarian Assemblies deny virtually everything that serves as a “memorial” of the past and particularly those things that are “a shadow of good things to come”,“a shadow of good things to come”, as explained in Israel’s Holy Days.

In addition to what we know directly about Philadelphia and Smyrna we can discern more by deduction in these instances by the faults that they dont have. If these assemblies had the weaknesses that the other five assemblies had, surely God would have mentioned them—if for no other reason, just to be fair. Going thru the issues specified in Revelation 2-3 and applying a little logic, we can conclude that Philadelphia and Smyrna would not possess any of the negatives of the other Assemblies, or John would surely have mentioned them. Nor would Philadelphia and Smyrna lack any of the virtues of the other Assemblies or it would have been just as inconsistent not to mention those.It would seem equally logical that if any of the five Assemblies with a “but” clause had some virtue that Smyrna or Philadelphia was lacking in, then that would have been mentioned as well. The combined list of recorded virtues and weaknesses would certainly be high priorities with God in the final generation of His fragmented Congregation. So here is a composite list of the virtues that God was watching for in an ideal assembly. “Works” in particular and a couple other points are repeatedly included so I believe the emphasis is warranted!

Virtues of Smyrna and Philadelphia

Next, here is a composite list of the characteristics that the two better assemblies will not tolerate.

“But I have a few things against you”

There is of course one very apparent difference between Smyrna and Philadelphia—Smyrna must endure more testing!

Revelation 2:10 Dont be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days.

Just as only one apostle was spared martyrdom, apparently only Philadelphia will be entirely spared that fate:

Revelation 2:10 Because you kept My command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Perhaps the virtue that the apostle John (who wrote the book!) excelled in the most is the reason that he alone was spared martyrdom. He was the one “whom Jesus loved” the most. I rather suspect that the Philadelphians are the most lovable assembly. [end PS]

So who are the Philadelphians? Look for them to be found with some Jews and some “fake” Jews.

Who are the “Jews” of Revelation?

There are countless references to Jews in the Bible. Why is it that in the account of the Seven Assemblies, that commentators want to say that Jews represent Jesus’ disciples in this, and only this, context? Jews means Jews! These Assemblies will work with Jews, a special Levitical priesthood—very enlightened Jews! (Zechariah 12:10)

Revelation 3:7 & 9 To the angel of the Assembly in Philadelphia write ... 9 Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. WEB

Revelation 2:8-9 To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write...9 I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. WEB

Here is the historic account of the “Second Temple” that reveals the crux of the previous sabotage:

Ezra 4:1-5 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to [Yehovah], the God of Israel; 2 then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers’ houses, and said to them, “Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as you do; and we sacrifice to Him since the days of Esar Haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here.” 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ houses of Israel, said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to [Yehovah], the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.” 4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 5 and hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. WEB

However, some wicked men who claim to be Jews—believers in God’s Covenant—will again seek to undermine the temple project by gaining the trust of “the people who know their God”.

Daniel 11:31-35 Forces shall stand on his part [the Beast’s] and they shall profane the sanctuary, even the fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt offering, and they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. 32 Such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he pervert by flatteries; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 Those who are wise among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help; but many shall join themselves to them with flatteries. 35 Some of those who are wise shall fall, to refine them, and to purify, and to make them white, even to the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed. WEB

Aside from a single reference to the word “Jews” in 2 Kings, the term is not even mentioned until the book of Ezra, where there are seven mentions of them diligently rebuilding the temple.

“Fake” Jews continued to thwart the faithful people who were rebuilding the temple. Eventually they succeeded in having an official governmental prohibition placed on the temple project. Later, encouraged by Haggai, Zechariah, Zerubbabel and Joshua they gallantly resumed the construction of the temple ignoring the official prohibition.

Samaritans: “who say they are Jews and are not, but lie” who really are a “Synagogue of Satan” who surreptitiously obstructed the rebuilding and persecuted Zerubbabel and Joshua will give it another go. I expect the same scenario to occur to the Two Witnesses after the command to “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there”. (Revelation 11:1)

Fortunately, in God’s time, He caused King Darius to fund the rebuilding of the temple at taxpayers expense and commanded that anyone who would hinder the construction should be promptly exterminated! I would not be surprised if something like this is necessary in the latter fulfillment.

Ezra 6:6-12 Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there. 7 Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place. 8 Moreover I make a decree what you shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence to these men, that they be not hindered. 9 That which they have need of, both young bulls, and rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail; 10 that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree, that whoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this: 12 and the God who has caused His name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who shall put forth their hand to alter the same, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with all diligence. WEB

The Two Witnesses are are associated with the measuring of the temple, but they do not do it. Again, God made it easy to identify which temple could be measured because “measure” and “temple” are only associated with one other verse in the Bible. We’re back to the nine chapter long description of the rebuilding, found in Ezekiel 40-48:

Ezekiel 43:10 Son of man, describe the TEMPLE to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern. NKJV

The purpose for the temple “project” is to cause the House of Israel to be “ashamed of their iniquities”. It’s back to square one with animal sacrifices etc. The Beast will cause these sacrifices to cease:

Daniel 8:11-13 Yes, it magnified itself, even to the prince of the army; and it took away from him the continual burnt offering, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 12 The army was given over to it together with the continual burnt offering through disobedience; and it cast down truth to the ground, and it did its pleasure and prospered. 13 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who spoke, How long shall be the vision concerning the continual burnt offering, and the disobedience that makes desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the army to be trodden under foot? WEB

Daniel 11:31 And forces shall be mustered by him, [the Beast] and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. NKJV

This prophecy about the “abomination of desolation” and the “holy place” is explained in detail by Jesus in Matthew 24. It is a message to all of Israel!

The Two Witnesses will only “witness” to the Israelite nations. This is because it is our modern day Israelite nations that will be conquered by the other nations. It is only Israel that needs this warning.

Revelation 11:2 Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and dont measure it, for it has been given to the [other] nations. They [these other nations] will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months. WEB

The true “good news” will not have been heard by most of the world “until the Son of Man has come”.

Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone [even] through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come. WEB

Philadelphia is the only Assembly credited with keeping “My word”. This would imply a much better mastery of scripture than the other Assemblies.

Ephesus and Pergamum are also associated with “My name” or “My name’s sake” so this is not a reference to using “sacred names” but rather they have not tarnished the Family name.

Because the Philadelphian Assembly has “kept My word, and have not denied My name” we must conclude that the Philadelphia Assembly excells in both “word” and deed.

It appears that the Philadelphian Assembly will play the lead role in the end time panorama of prophetic events. Who are the Philadelphians? I would suffice it to say that anyone begotten of God, who is not overwhelmed with the doctrinal and spiritual problems associated with the other five or six sects—and who is growing in grace and knowledge—those scattered individuals are Philadelphians. They will certainly recognize the truths expounded by the Two Witnesses. Other Saints may reject them because they are not associated with their sect! Some of the “misfits” in the incorporated and/or exclusivist Assemblies (sects) will abandon these organizations with the first miraculous sign or upon hearing their message, others may not even be Sabbatarian yet, but may go on a crash course. Is anyone zealous? Is anyone preparing their minds for the temple project? The incorporated Assemblies are in bondage! See “Free Church” (off site).

Eliakim’s Seal

It is a mark of Providence that the very seal that Eliakim used to authorize documents has survived until our time. This seal bears the inscription “The property of Eliakim, steward of Jehoiakin”. It is from Debir (Tell Beit Mirsim) located 13 miles southwest of Hebron. It was excavated by William F. Albright in 1926.

Click on the seal to check out this and other interesting finds.

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And Shebna’s Tomb Too!

Amazingly, in 1953, archaeologist N. Avigad translated an inscription from the lintel of a rock tomb in Jerusalem. Written in the old Paleo Hebrew form, dating from the time of Hezekiah, the inscription said: “This is the sepulcher of [Shebna-yahu: a more complete form of the name], who is over the house [Isaiah 22:15]. There is no silver or gold here but only his bones, and the bones of his slave-wife with him. Cursed be the man who breaks this open.”

Apparently he even had the tomb engraved and “cursed” in advance to dissuade looters.

The sketch below shows the Paleo Hebrew text with current Hebrew inserted above and below. Click on the image for more information.

Now for Part 3

Lon W. Martin

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