commendation, without the rebukes which were
directed to her sister churches. Having remained true to Him who "was
called Faithful and True" (19:11), the epistle to this church makes
mention of the Saviour by those titles, which are significant of his own
faithfulness and inherent holiness.

"The key of David," brings to view the prediction of that which was to be
laid "upon his shoulder;" so that "he shall open, and none shall shut; and
he shall shut, and none shall open," Isa. 22:22. A key symbolizes that
which will open or unlock, or will close fast: therefore said the Saviour,
"I ... have the keys of hell and of death." By virtue of this power, an
open door was set before the church of Philadelphia, which no man should
be able to close.

The Jews in Philadelphia, who had claimed to be the only true church of
God, but who were in reality of the synagogue of Satan, were to cease
their opposition to the Christians, and to seek instruction and protection
from them--recognizing the love of God to Gentiles as well as to Jews.
History is silent respecting the fulfilment of this; but there is no
reason to suppose that it was not literally fulfilled.

The "hour of temptation," which was to "come upon all the world, to try
them that dwell on the earth," was to be one of peculiar trial. Some
suppose it had reference to the persecution under Trajan, which was more
severe and extensive than those under Nero, or Domitian: and others that
it was the Mohammedan delusion. In such times there are peculiar
temptations to apostatize, and the less faithful are in more danger of
apostasy than others. But because the Philadelphian church had been
faithful thus far, they were to be kept from that trying hour. When the
scourge of Mohammedanism swept over all the other churches of Asia, this
church maintained its integrity. Says Gibbon: "Among the Greek colonies
and churches of Asia, Philadelphia is still erect, a column in a scene of
ruins. At a distance from the sea, forgotten by the emperors, encompassed
on all sides by the Turks, her valiant citizens defended their religion
and their freedom above fourscore years, and at length capitulated with
the proudest of the Ottomans." Philadelphia is still the seat of an
archbishop, and contains from six hundred to seven hundred Greek houses,
and several places of Christian worship. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver
the godly out of temptations," 2 Pet. 2:9.

They are encouraged to constancy by