In Revelation chapters 2-3 we have the seven churches of Asia Minor which represent the church of all time. In each of the congregations we might see characteristics of congregations we have known or heard about. Ephesus was the leader, no question about it. Yet they had lost the first love of Christ and needed to regain it. Smyrna was facing a severe persecution from which we shudder to emulate that congregation. But how about Philadelphia?
Satan’s Opposition: Repeatedly among the seven churches satan is referred to as seeking to destroy. Smyrna faced the persecuting opposition of the “Jews ... a synagegue of satan.” “Satan’s throne” was at Pergamum and Antipas was martyred. At Philadelphia the opposition of the Jews was also ever present with the “synagogue of satan.” So we should expect more and more martyrs right?
“I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and learn that I have loved you” (Revelation 3:9).
Instead of God crushing the opposition with His judgment power, He makes the enemies learn of God’s love. Even in our outreach this can happen. We have the cardinal example of Saul of Tarsus becoming the Apostle Paul. Jesus did teach that we should pray for our enemies. We should pray that the Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist, enemies of the Gospel, bow to His Word and join in proclaiming what they sought to destroy. We should want to rescue those who are facing destruction and our enemies top the list of those we see. “Rescue those who are being taken away to death: hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter” (Proverbs 24:11), “And convince some, who doubt; save some, by snatching them out of the fire ...” (Jude 22-23). |
