"Keep On Holding Fast What You Have"

Brotherly affection-what a desirable quality! No doubt Jesus has this in mind when he presents his sixth message, which is directed to the congregation in Philadelphia, for that name means "Brotherly Affection." The aged John still recalls the occasion, more than 60 years earlier, when Peter insisted three times to Jesus that he, Peter had warm affection for his Lord. (John 21:15-17) Are the Christians in Philadelphia, on their part, showing brotherly affection? Apparently they are!

Located about 30 miles southeast of Sardis (at the site of the modern Turkish city of Alashir). The Philadelphia of John's day is a fairly prosperous city. More noteworthy, however, is the prosperity of the Christian congregation there. With what joy they must have received the minister that came traveling to them, likely by way of Sardis! The message he carries has stirring counsel for them. But first it refers to the authority of its illustrious Sender. He says: "And to the angel of the congregation in Philadelphia write: These are the things he says who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens so that no one will shut, and shuts so that no one opens." -Revelation 3:7.

John had heard Peter say to the man Jesus Christ: "You have sayings of everlasting life; and we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68, 69) Since Jehovah God is the very essence of holiness, his only-begotten Son must also be "holy." (Revelation 4:8) Jesus is also "true." The Greek word used here (a-le-thi-nos') implies genuineness. In this sense, Jesus is the true light and the true bread that came down out of heaven. (John 1:9; 6:32) He is the true vine. (John 15:1) Jesus is true also in the sense that he is trustworthy. He always speaks the truth. (see John 8:14, 17, 26.) This Son of God is indeed worthy to serve as King and Judge.-Revelation 19:11, 16.

Next time: "The Key Of David"