Revelation 3:8-9 - Philadelphia

8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.

Jesus will put an open door before them that no one can shut. Their door to heaven will always be open and the door to opportunity to share the Good News will always be open. No one will be able to prevent or obstruct these. Then He offers encouragement. “I know you’re tired and weak, but you have stayed true in the battle. You’re running the good race.”

Another meaning of “little strength” is “little power”. This could be a reference to their standing in their community. They may have had little wealth and/or little influence as leaders in the city. It is easy to be able to relate this reference along with the idea of the wealthy Jewish leaders (Pharisees) being against them, much as they were when Jesus lived. Even so, Jesus assures them that they will have an open door that no one with wealth or influence can shut.

9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

This is the second time Jesus has referred to those who claim to be Jews but are not. This is powerful language. Jesus is again saying that someone’s heart condition can override their genealogy. That the spiritual is more important than the physical. It’s not just that He refers to them as no longer being Jews, but they are on the side of Satan! Not only are they on his side, they are in his church! That is a very high order of criticism. John the Baptist, the one who proclaimed in the wilderness, said something very similar when the Jewish church leaders came to see him.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? – Matthew 3:7

Jesus also uses similar language towards these Pharisees:

You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. – Matthew 12:34

You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? – Matthew 23:33

The reference to snakes is akin to calling them Satan.  Jesus assures the church in Philadelphia saying that these evil Jews who serve Satan will be unable to not recognize that He is loving them and providing His favor. This favor will be undeniable and these Jews will admit to the obvious.