Chapter Twelve/"Keep On Holding Fast What You Have" -"The Key of David" - Conclusion

 Coming from such an authoritative source, Jesus' words to the Christians in Philadelphia must be especially comforting! He commends them saying: "I know your deeds-look! I have set before you an opened door, which no one can shut-that you have a little power, and you kept my word and did not prove false to my name." (Revelation 3:8) The congregation has been active, and a door of opportunity before it-doubtless a door of opportunity for ministerial service. (Compare 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12.) Therefore, Jesus encourages the congregation to take full advantage of the opportunity to preach. They have endured and shown that they have enough power, with help from God's spirit, to continue doing further "deeds" in Jehovah's service. (2 Corinthians 12:10; Zachariah4:6) They have obeyed Jesus' commands and have not denied Christ, either by word or by action. 

Next time: Chapter Twelve/"Keep On Holding Fast What You Have" -"They Will Bow Down to You" 

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