A Glossary of the Difficult Terms in Revelation 3:7-13

1. The historical context

            • Multi-Chapter Context: Jesus’ Message to the Seven 

               Churches (1:4-3:22)

            • Immediate Context:

                        ▪ Message to the church at Philadelphia (3:7-13)

                        ▪ The church at Philadelphia likely was founded 

                           during Paul’s ministry at Ephesus (Acts 19:10)

2. Glossary

            • Angel of the Church (3:7): Angel = messenger; perhaps 

               pastor

            • The Key of David (3:7): Rightful heir of the Davidic 

               household

            • Open Doors Which No One Can Shut (3:8): A reference to 

               salvation

            • Little Power (3:8): Likely, small in number (cf. Luke 

              12:32)

            • Synagogue of Satan (3:9): Hostile, unbelieving Jews

            • . . . I will make them come and bow down . . . (3:9): 

              Submission;  perhaps  salvation of some

            • Hour of Testing (3:10): Tribulation; seems to support 

               Pre-tribulation view

            • Hold Fast (3:11): “Keep on keeping on”

            • Crown (3:11): Reward

            • Pillar in the Temple of My God (3:12): Place of honor