"Keep Holding Fast What You Have"/PHILADELPHIA

 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 sight of the modern Turkish city of Alasehir), 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 here (a-le-thi-nos') implies  genuineness.  In this sense, Jesus is the true light and true bread that came down out of heaven.  (John 1:9; 6:32) 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: "Keep Holding Fast What You Have/PHILADELPHIA -"The Key of David"

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