Revelation: Philadelphia, Keep My Word
Revelation 3:8 I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
For those who need a reminder, Jesus “knows”. In this case, the word is οἶδα/oida. Defined by Strong’s, it means to remember or appreciate. Literally, it is to see with our physical eyes. Jesus is literally watching us with His eyes. And by watching, He mentally gets where we are spiritually by our works.
https://paulthepoke.com/2017/07/08/revelation-sardis-god-is-all-knowing/
Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Christ is reminding believers He is ultimately in control. This is a continuation of the concept from Revelation 3:7. This concept has its origins in the Old Testament. Isaiah 22:22 is an example. Jesus is authority. He holds the keys.
I know that you have but little power…The word for “know” in this case is ἔχω/echo in the Greek. It means: to hold or possess.
The church in Philadelphia possessed little power. Little or μικρός/micros is the idea. This is where we get the prefix of a microscope in English.
The Greek word for “power” is δύναμις/dunamis. The word defined: might, force, energy, physical power, or marvelous works. We get the English word “dynamite” from this Greek word.
Christ described His miracles as δύναμις/dunamis.
Matthew 11:20-21 Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes…” -Jesus
Believers in Philadelphia had a little dynamite. We need reminding today. We can pack a punch in Christ’s name.
…you have kept my word…The church at Philadelphia watched and guarded His λόγος/logos or word. The Word is synonymous with His name. Jesus Christ is the Word of God.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Believers in Jesus are charged to guard and protect His Word, the Bible.
…have not denied my name. The Greek word for “name” is ὄνομα/onoma. Per Strong’s, it can be translated as: name, character, fame, or reputation. The “name” is used for everything which the “name” covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the “name”.
The character and essence of Christ are at stake. He is watching and paying attention to the individual believer. Will you defend and stand up for the character of Jesus?
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