“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”
I know your works — behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut; for you have a little strength, but you have kept my word and have not denied my name — despite modest human resources, Philadelphia receives an open door (opportunity for witness and mission), and Christ attributes this not to the church's strength but to their faithfulness and word-keeping. The open door may evoke missionary opportunity or eschatological entrance.
Church Fathers on Revelation 3:8
“Be watchful, and strengthen the other things which were ready to die; for I have not found your works perfect before God.” For it is not enough for a tree to live and to have no fruit, even as it is not enough to be called a Christian and to confess Christ, but not to have Himself in our work, that is, not to do His precepts. The sixth class is the mode of life of the best election. The habit of saints is set forth; of those, to wit, who are lowly in the world, and…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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