Revelation 3:10

[Bible2]

angels4u said in post 1:

 

What is your interpretatian of this Bible verse? Revelation 3:10

 

The 7 epistles to 7 churches in Revelation chapters 2-3 were sent to 7 literal, first century AD local church congregations in 7 cities in the Roman province of "Asia" (Revelation 1:11) (what is today western Turkey).

 

Revelation 3:10 meant that the literal, first century AD local church congregation in the city of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) in the Roman province of "Asia" (Revelation 1:11) would be kept safe from a persecution which came upon all the Roman world during the time of the Roman emperor Domitian. For the apostle John saw his Revelation vision (Revelation 1:1) near the end of Domitian's reign (Irenaeus, Against Heresies 5:30:3c), and Domitian persecuted the church toward the end of his reign. The righteous, literal, first century AD local church congregation in the city of Smyrna (Revelation 2:8) in the Roman province of "Asia" (Revelation 1:11) had to suffer and die in that persecution over a period of 10 literal days (Revelation 2:10).

 

The first century AD church in Philadelphia didn't have to be taken out of the world to be kept safe from (Greek: "ek") that persecution. For, as Jesus prayed for the church in general: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from (ek) the evil" (John 17:15,20). Also, the first century AD church in Philadelphia didn't have to be removed from time itself or from the earth in order to be kept from the "hour" (or the "time") of that persecution, just as, for example, a student in a classroom who has been excused from taking a test doesn't have to be removed from time itself or from the classroom in order to be excused from that time of testing. For he can be made to sit at his desk reading during that time, which won't be a time of testing for him.

 

Also, the first century AD persecution of Revelation 3:10 (and Revelation 2:10) was only "world"-wide in the sense of the Roman "world" (cf. Luke 2:1). So the subsequent reference to those on the "earth" in Revelation 3:10 should be understood as those Christians living on the earth during that time in the Roman empire, as opposed to those Christians who had already died and gone to heaven (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:21,23).

[Raven]

What is your interpretatian  of this Bible verse?Revelation 3:10

 

1Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

People of truth, as Jesus saw them as, do not need to be tested, for they are already true in Christ's judgement.

[disciplehelovestoo]

1Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

 

i believe patient endurance refers to sustained faith over time; those who patiently stand in faith do not have to leave to avoid tribulations; they can stand against them and overcome

[Kan]

It seems like the scriptures talk about preserving His own in the world rather than removing them, and in this case addressing the church of Philadelphia. It says that they will somehow be preserved from the test which is coming onto the world.

 

Now while these messages to the churches were literal churches in John's time, the whole book is largely symbolic, borrowing symbols which people could relate to from scripture - seeing that Revelation is an accumulation of many illustrations and words throughout the entire Bible, as if it is written for those who know the entire Bible.

 

If the seven churches represent the progress of the church throughout history from John until the return of Christ, then Philadelphia is the second last church before that time. It is clear that it does not go through the trial at the end of time.

 

The last church, Laodicea, is indifferent, like the world.

 

And the test is to try "all the world." Tribulation itself does not do that, but a temptation will sought the wicked from the faithful.

 

That temptation is the mark of the beast, which puts a clear separation between believers and unbelievers.

 

Notice that the messages to the churches have symbols scattered through out, which relate to the articles within the old sanctuary or temple, and what the high priest wore. These articles are viewed as if walking from the outside into the very heart of the sanctuary with the priest, and last of all we have the "throne" mentioned in the Laodicean message. This is represented as the ark of God and the mercy seat where the glory of God was 'seated.'

 

If we apply the seven seals and seven trumpets in the same way, we end up, for example, with the ark of the testament in the seventh trumpet, Rev 11:19. These are all clues, if you write or paste them on a chart one above the other.

 

The ark of the testament, contains the ten commandments of God, which the saints keep according to Revelation. Eg 12:17.

And these are set in contrast to the mark of the beast. See chapter 14:9-13.

 

So it seems like the world will be making a choice between the commandments of men and the commandments of God.

[wingnut-]

It seems like the scriptures talk about preserving His own in the world rather than removing them, and in this case addressing the church of Philadelphia. It says that they will somehow be preserved from the test which is coming onto the world.

 

Now while these messages to the churches were literal churches in John's time, the whole book is largely symbolic, borrowing symbols which people could relate to from scripture - seeing that Revelation is an accumulation of many illustrations and words throughout the entire Bible, as if it is written for those who know the entire Bible.

 

If the seven churches represent the progress of the church throughout history from John until the return of Christ, then Philadelphia is the second last church before that time. It is clear that it does not go through the trial at the end of time.

 

The last church, Laodicea, is indifferent, like the world.

 

And the test is to try "all the world." Tribulation itself does not do that, but a temptation will sought the wicked from the faithful.

 

That temptation is the mark of the beast, which puts a clear separation between believers and unbelievers.

 

Notice that the messages to the churches have symbols scattered through out, which relate to the articles within the old sanctuary or temple, and what the high priest wore. These articles are viewed as if walking from the outside into the very heart of the sanctuary with the priest, and last of all we have the "throne" mentioned in the Laodicean message. This is represented as the ark of God and the mercy seat where the glory of God was 'seated.'

 

If we apply the seven seals and seven trumpets in the same way, we end up, for example, with the ark of the testament in the seventh trumpet, Rev 11:19. These are all clues, if you write or paste them on a chart one above the other.

 

The ark of the testament, contains the ten commandments of God, which the saints keep according to Revelation. Eg 12:17.

And these are set in contrast to the mark of the beast. See chapter 14:9-13.

 

So it seems like the world will be making a choice between the commandments of men and the commandments of God.

 

 

Hello Kan,

 

I agree with you mostly, although in a few places we just see things slightly different from each other.  I may just have misread you though, so this initial thought is based on how I understood your post.  I get the impression you are looking at the seven churches separately, whereas I do not see it quite that way.  The epistles are letters to churches as well, and we apply them to the church now, as a whole.  The letters in Revelation are no different, so what I see in those seven letters are seven different kinds of people within the church.

 

 

 

So it seems like the world will be making a choice between the commandments of men and the commandments of God.

 

 

 

In regards to this closing statement, and your thoughts that lead you to this, I just wanted to add this for your consideration.  This was posted not long ago, but may alter what you consider the final choice to be about.  I see it as being between choosing Jesus, or choosing evil.

 

[Sister]

What is your interpretatian  of this Bible verse?Revelation 3:10

 

1Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

angels4u

 

Seeing as no one has given you an answer that you are happy with, I will give my interpretation to consider.  I was not going to participate in this conversation, but feel it's wrong to keep it in.

 

Look at the whole context.  This particular church or branch of believers that fit into this catagory doesn't appear to be lacking like the other churches or believers.

 

Revelation 3:7   And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Revelation 3:8   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.

 

They have little strength because they are getting worn out...but in what way?...

 

read on, the answer is in the next verse;

Revelation 3:9   Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

 

Those that say they are Jews,  is not speaking of the physical Jews, but of the spiritual Jews.  Men claiming to be spiritual Jews (Christians) on the outside, but are not on the inside....they lie pretending to be Christians, or consider themselves as Christians but are not according to Christ.  These would reject most of the Truth.

Obviously there is a division here.  One group is really of the devil, and one has kept Christ's Word of patience and is true. The real spiritual Jews have been patient and trodden on by these proud ones, and Christ will put them in their place when he comes.

 

Remember what Christ said?

John 15:18   If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

John 15:19   If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

 

John 17:14   I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

John 17:15   I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

 

If a Christian hates his brother, or talks down to him, accusingly, then he is "of the world."  In the same category as above, the synagogue of Satan.

 

Revelation 3:10   Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

 

There is only one hour of temptation coming to the whole world, and that is the Mark of the Beast.  It is going to try everyone that dwells on the whole earth.

 

Revelation 3:11   Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

 

Hold on to what you've got, stay patient a little longer.  Don't crumble.

If we are not patient, then we give in to temptation.  Temptation to treat and speak to our brothers or any one else in a manner not holy.  Temptation to hate or fight back with spite, temptation to bait and trip up and temptation to cause a stir just like the pharisees did in getting people on their side.  Can we not see this is history repeating itself today?   This is all wickedness.  We must not do this dear brothers and sisters, lets examine ourselves to see if we are truly in the Spirit of Christ.  We should correct with love and not cause divisions.  Use the scriptures to defend, that's our weapon. The truth. To hide behind the skirts of others is shameful.  It shows we can't answer or defend the word ourselves because we have no truth in us to personally back up.  Therefore we are lacking greatly.

Revelation 3:12   Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

 

Christ wants us to overcome before the storm hits.  To get ourselves right with him in our walk.

Him that has overcome is the group he has just mentioned.  When the door of the ark is closed, they will be inside that ark for protection.  They will not go out anymore, and their voices will not be heard because they are inside the ark.  To be made a pillar in the temple of God is a great honor.  They are on top of that foundation which is solid and can't be removed.

 

The rest are outside the ark.  No more chance to learn anything new and grow,... still in the dark, and tribulation awaiting them by going through "the hour of temptation." which will come upon the whole world, including them......The Mark of the Beast.   One last chance to prove if they are faithful, not to the end but at the end, but the temptation will be too strong for some, as they wont want to lose their lives.

 

Those that make it through from here by refusing the mark will be purified with fire.  That fire did not purify them during their walk, but at the end.  They did not heed Christ's warnings when given the opportunity,.....repenting is the key and following strict instructions on how to travel down that narrow path.

Now that final fire will be their saving grace. One last chance......see how merciful the Lord is still.

 

So that group that will be kept from the hour of trial/temptation is the 144,000.  They will not be raptured but sealed to be protected during the tribulation, because they already overcame before that.  They will remain on the earth untouched.  Preserved somehow.  I don't know how, or where they will be, but the scriptures show that they are here (see 5th trumpet) and cannot be touched.

 

I have mentioned this before with all the evidence of the scriptures that they are not physical Jews, but of course what I pointed out was rejected and written off, which is why no one can put together why there are some Christians spared and the majority are not when that time comes,... hence the many many pre-rapture and post rapture debates.

It's there to be solved.  Yes some will be spared, you can all see it, but we must be prepared for the worst, to go that full distance for Christ in our hearts and Christ will see that in us, because we don't get to choose who will be spared. 

Only 144,000 who truly follow the Lamb, alive in the last days will be sealed just before the tribulation.  Not many, a very small flock.  Not everyone can be included, because most are not qualified or have not overcome, which is disappointing.

 

Revelation 3:13   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

[Kan]

Thanks for your response Wingnut, as always, and I also like the above post from Sister, which I'm sure you agree with.

 

I see your point about the seven churches applying all at once in time, and overlapping too, since the messages can be applied to anyone in any time, and like you said, some messages are more direct and applicable in a particular situation or to a particular kind of person.

 

As to our final choice in the test, it is truly between Jesus and evil, but the choice would not be a trial unless the good is threatened, or the evil is hidden under the pretense of good. I guess you mean that too.

[angels4u]

Thank you for  all you explanations, we have to see when the time comes how this all will work out, Sister said that history is repeating itself and I agree with her,many things happening now have happened before...

 

We have to stand strong in the days we're living in..they are evil but God is powerful and His will be done! 

 

Amen Jesus come!

[Omegaman 3.0]

 

i believe patient endurance refers to sustained faith over time; those who patiently stand in faith do not have to leave to avoid tribulations; they can stand against them and overcome

 

It is not often I say "Amen" to a post, but I amen that sentiment.

[angels4u]

 

 

i believe patient endurance refers to sustained faith over time; those who patiently stand in faith do not have to leave to avoid tribulations; they can stand against them and overcome

 

It is not often I say "Amen" to a post, but I amen that sentiment.

 

 

How true this is and may God finds us faithful, it will not matter if we have the anchor which holds the storm we're safe where ever we are ..

 

 

We're pilgrims on the journey

Of the narrow road

And those who've gone before us line the way

Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary

Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses

Let us run the race not only for the prize

But as those who've gone before us

Let us leave to those behind us

The heritage of faithfulness passed on through Godly lives

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

May the fire of our devotion light their way

May the footprints that we leave

Lead them to believe

And the lives we live inspire them to obey

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone

And our children sift through all we've left behind

May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover

Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Steve Green