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II THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES chs. 2--3 >
F. The letter to the church in Philadelphia 3:7-13 >
2. Commendation 3:8
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The Philadelphia Christians had received an "open door"to opportunity for spiritual blessing, perhaps opportunity for evangelism (cf. 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3). This opportunity would continue because they had a little "power"(spiritual power) though they were evidently few.156They had faithfully obeyed God's Word, and they had maintained a faithful testimony for the Lord in the past, presumably by word and by deed. They also enjoyed the prospect of an open door into the messianic kingdom because they had been faithful. This may be the primary reference in view.157