Bible Study: Revelation 3.7-13

v. 7- Philadelphia literally means brotherly love from the Greek. philos- brother. adelphos- love.

v. 8- holy and true- God is without fault in any way. He is without sin and completely honest in all his actions and words.

v. 8- the key of David- Calling on the name of the greatest leader of Israel would inspire confidence and hope in the Philadelphians.

v. 8- Have a little strength- sometimes the best we can do is hope for a little strength. Although we would like to have a lot more in reserve, perseverance may be the best that we can hope for.
Have kept my word- This implies that the readers are doing what God has commanded. They are faithful to know, to study and to obey the word of God.
Have not denied my name- These believers are being faithful to their relationship with God.

v. 10- Keep you from the hour of trial. This does not mean that we will never have trials. The stories of the New Testament itself is proof that trials will come. However, we can celebrate the hope that we have. We will never go through trials alone. God will always be with us.

v. 11- I am coming quickly. The speediness with which God returns may be a matter of interpretation. He has not come yet, but he will. His promise to return is valid, as are all his promises.

v.12- I will write on him- When we identify with a favorite cause, team or rock band, we often wear t-shirts or jackets with their names on them. We want people to know that we are fans of the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen or Fergie. When we are a part of Christ's family, he will imprint us as well.

New Jerusalem, which comes down. This is a foreshadowing of the prophecy that is to come in Revelation about the new heaven and the new earth.