Revelation 3:10
Verse
Context
To the Church in Philadelphia
9Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead. I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.10Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The word of my patience - The doctrine which has exposed you to so much trouble and persecution, and required so much patience and magnanimity to bear up under its attendant trials. The hour of temptation - A time of sore and peculiar trial which might have proved too much for their strength. He who is faithful to the grace of God is often hidden from trials and difficulties which fall without mitigation on those who have been unfaithful in his covenant. Many understand by the hour of temptation the persecution under Trajan, which was greater and more extensive than the preceding ones under Nero and Domitian. To try them - That is, such persecutions will be the means of trying and proving those who profess Christianity, and showing who were sound and thorough Christians and who were not.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
patience--"endurance." "The word of My endurance" is My Gospel word, which teaches patient endurance in expectation of my coming (Rev 1:9). My endurance is the endurance which I require, and which I practice. Christ Himself now endures, patiently waiting until the usurper be cast out, and all "His enemies be made His footstool." So, too, His Church, for the joy before her of sharing His coming kingdom, endures patiently. Hence, in Rev 3:11, follows, "Behold, I come quickly." I also--The reward is in kind: "because thou didst keep," &c. "I also (on My side) will keep thee," &c. from--Greek, "(so as to deliver thee) out of," not to exempt from temptation. the hour of temptation--the appointed season of affliction and temptation (so in Deu 4:34 the plagues are called "the temptations of Egypt"), literally, "the temptation": the sore temptation which is coming on: the time of great tribulation before Christ's second coming. to try them that dwell upon the earth--those who are of earth, earthy (Rev 8:13). "Dwell" implies that their home is earth, not heaven. All mankind, except the elect (Rev 13:8, Rev 13:14). The temptation brings out the fidelity of those kept by Christ and hardens the unbelieving reprobates (Rev 9:20-21; Rev 16:11, Rev 16:21). The particular persecutions which befell Philadelphia shortly after, were the earnest of the great last tribulation before Christ's coming, to which the Church's attention in all ages is directed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, I come quickly,.... To bring on this hour of temptation on the reformed churches, which will be at the beginning of this period; to help and deliver, save and preserve the truly godly among them; to destroy antichrist, and introduce the latter day glory: hold that fast which thou hast; either her grace in the exercise of it, as her faith, patience, &c. or rather the doctrines of the Gospel, and the ordinances of it, which she had received, as delivered by Christ and his apostles: and which she had held in the truth and purity of them, and is now exhorted to hold them fast, since this hour of temptation would be a trying time to her faith, patience, integrity, and constancy: that no man take thy crown; not eternal happiness, called a crown of life, glory, and righteousness, and which was prepared for her, and promised to her, and would be certainly given her; nor was there any danger of another's taking it from her; not but that exhortations of this kind to the saints are necessary, with respect to that, to excite to diligence, care, and watchfulness; and are no ways contrary to their final perseverance, and certain salvation, but are means thereof: but either her honour for her faith and faithfulness, for her integrity, sincerity, and purity, is here meant; or the glorious things which were spoken of this church state, and to be accomplished in it, Psa 87:3; see Isa 60:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 Jesus will protect Christians who persevere through trials (cp. Isa 43:2-4; John 10:27-28; 1 Cor 10:13; Heb 6:18-19). • The great time of testing refers to the end times, when the world experiences tribulation.
Revelation 3:10
To the Church in Philadelphia
9Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead. I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.10Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) by the Lake of Genesaret
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:02:31Lake Of GenesaretDEU 6:13DEU 8:3LUK 5:1LUK 5:9JHN 4:44REV 3:10In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Peter and Jesus in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that salvation comes from the Lord and not from our own efforts or abilities. Peter's reaction to witnessing a miraculous catch of fish demonstrates his realization of his own sinfulness and unworthiness in the presence of Jesus. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in God even when things don't make sense and to always acknowledge their dependence on Him.
(Revelation) the Fury of the Storm
By Willie Mullan1.4K52:12FuryMAT 6:33REV 3:10REV 4:1REV 5:6REV 6:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the opening of the seven-sealed book in the book of Revelation. As the book is opened, terrible things begin to happen on earth as God works to reclaim and restore the world. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that the events described in the book are not happening in the present, but will occur in the future. The sermon also highlights the need for believers to pray and seek God's grace for their loved ones who will go through difficult times during these events.
Can America Survive (1969)
By Jack Van Impe5834:44Moral Decay in SocietyUrgency of SalvationMAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 14:21JHN 9:4ROM 13:122CO 6:21TI 2:4HEB 3:72PE 3:9REV 3:10Jack Van Impe emphasizes the urgent need for America to turn back to God amidst rising sin and moral decay, warning that without a revival, the nation faces imminent judgment. He cites biblical prophecies and current events to illustrate the potential for chaos and tribulation, urging listeners to accept Christ immediately for salvation. Van Impe stresses that the time for decision is now, as the coming of the Lord is near, and Christians must be prepared for the judgment of their works. He calls for a return to biblical truths and warns against the influences of secularism and immorality in society. The sermon concludes with an invitation for individuals to accept Jesus as their Savior.
End Times Questions & Answers, Part 2
By Mike Bickle2613:25End TimesProtection from EvilPSA 91:1JHN 17:15REV 3:10Mike Bickle addresses questions about Revelation 3:10, emphasizing its promise to the Church of Philadelphia and its implications for believers today. He argues that the verse speaks to being kept from the evil one rather than a pre-tribulation rapture, drawing parallels with John 17:15 where Jesus prays for protection from evil. Bickle explains that the promise was specific to the faithful in Philadelphia and not a blanket statement for all believers, thus challenging common interpretations of the rapture. He also discusses the nature of the beast in Revelation, clarifying that the beast refers to the antichrist, distinct from the devil. The sermon encourages a deeper understanding of scripture and the victorious role of the church in the end times.
The Path That Pride Leads To
By David Wilkerson0PrideHumility1SA 9:251SA 10:8PSA 10:4PRO 11:2PRO 16:18ISA 2:11LUK 14:11JAS 4:61JN 2:16REV 3:10David Wilkerson emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, which is at the forefront of what God detests. He illustrates how pride leads to impatience and disobedience, using King Saul's failure to wait for God's direction as a cautionary example. Wilkerson contrasts pride with humility, defining true humility as complete dependence on God and His timing. He reassures believers of God's promise to protect those who remain faithful and patient in their trials. The sermon calls for self-examination to recognize and combat the pride that can hinder spiritual growth.
Epistle 358
By George Fox0Unity in ChristTruthPSA 111:10JHN 8:32JHN 8:441CO 14:331TI 2:4HEB 13:81PE 1:233JN 1:4JUD 1:12REV 3:10George Fox emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's truth, which liberates those who embrace it and leads them to serve God and spread His message. He highlights the importance of unity, humility, and the fear of the Lord, which fosters a community that honors God and remains steadfast against disorder. Fox reassures that God's eternal power protects His people, contrasting it with the temporary nature of evil. He encourages patience and adherence to the word of God, which provides strength against worldly temptations. Ultimately, he expresses his love and desire for all to remain in the seed of life that reigns over all.
Epistle 385
By George Fox0FaithfulnessEndurance in TrialsJHN 1:3ACT 13:261CO 12:82CO 5:17HEB 1:31PE 1:231JN 1:1REV 3:10REV 12:11REV 21:27George Fox emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in Christ, who is our sanctuary and source of peace, rest, and salvation. He encourages the faithful to keep the word of patience and the testimony of Jesus, assuring them that those who endure will be kept safe during trials. Fox highlights the significance of the word of God, which reconciles and strengthens believers through all afflictions. He calls for a bold confession of Christ before others, reminding them that true faithfulness leads to salvation. His message is a reminder of the eternal hope and strength found in Christ amidst life's challenges.
Epistle 416
By George Fox0Unity in the SpiritSpiritual GrowthPRO 25:28JHN 6:35ROM 8:131CO 5:7EPH 2:6EPH 4:3COL 3:11TI 2:102TI 4:3HEB 1:3JAS 1:151PE 3:41JN 1:1REV 3:10George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity in the Holy Spirit among Friends, urging elders to be examples of wisdom and patience for the younger generation. He warns against the distractions of worldly fashions that can lead to spiritual blindness and the burden of false teachings. Fox highlights the necessity of mortifying sin through the Spirit of God, encouraging believers to set their affections on heavenly things and partake in the spiritual feast of Christ. He reminds the congregation that Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed, and they must keep the feast with sincerity and truth, purging out the old leaven of malice. The call is to embrace a new life in Christ, adorned with godliness and a meek spirit.
Epistle 158
By George Fox0PeaceUnity in ChristHAB 1:3MAT 5:8MAT 8:11JHN 1:3ROM 13:10ROM 14:17ROM 14:191CO 8:11CO 13:41CO 15:47GAL 3:29GAL 4:24GAL 5:13COL 4:5TIT 2:111PE 1:22REV 3:10George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in peace and love, urging his listeners to avoid strife and contention, which undermine the good and do not edify. He highlights that true peace is found in the Holy Spirit and encourages believers to support one another in faith and grace, fostering unity and patience. Fox reminds the congregation that they are called to be peacemakers, inheriting the kingdom of God, and to live in a way that reflects the love of Christ, which fulfills the law. He calls for a rejection of prejudice and urges everyone to embrace the seed of life and peace that reigns within them, leading to eternal joy and comfort. Ultimately, he concludes with a blessing for grace and guidance from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel 9
By Chuck Smith0God's JudgmentVigilance in FaithGEN 6:5GEN 19:24EXO 12:13EZK 9:4MAT 24:37LUK 21:36ROM 1:181PE 4:172PE 3:9REV 3:10Chuck Smith emphasizes the certainty and discrimination of God's judgment as depicted in Ezekiel 9. He explains that God's patience should not be mistaken for indifference, as history shows that judgment will come, citing examples like the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Smith highlights that God marks those who mourn over the sins of the land for protection, contrasting them with the wicked who disregard His warnings. He warns of the coming judgment, urging believers to remain vigilant and prayerful, as the time for judgment begins at the house of God. The sermon calls for a deep concern for the iniquities of society and a commitment to seeking God's mercy.
The Practical Improvement of the Watchman's Answer.
By John Gill0Faithful LivingUnderstanding the Times1CH 12:32ZEC 14:7MAT 5:16LUK 21:281CO 16:13EPH 2:10TIT 3:1HEB 13:212PE 2:11REV 3:10John Gill emphasizes the importance of understanding the times and the responsibilities of the people of God, drawing from the example of the tribe of Issachar, who were wise and knowledgeable about what Israel should do. He encourages believers to be watchful and active in their faith, performing good works that align with God's will, and to remain steadfast in the face of challenges and temptations. Gill highlights the necessity of prayer, community, and adherence to the teachings of Christ, especially in times of spiritual decline. He calls for a proactive approach to faith, urging believers to strengthen their resolve and prepare for the coming of the Lord. Ultimately, he reassures that despite the darkness, a glorious morning of redemption is promised for those who remain faithful.
Of Patience.
By John Gill0PatienceEndurance in FaithISA 30:18ROM 5:3ROM 12:121TH 1:3HEB 12:1JAS 1:3JAS 5:71PE 2:212PE 1:5REV 3:10John Gill emphasizes the vital role of patience in the Christian life, asserting that without it, one cannot truly submit to God's will, endure adversity, or express gratitude. He explains that patience is essential for bearing afflictions, enduring reproach for Christ, and waiting for divine answers, and it is a grace that must be actively pursued and exercised. Gill highlights that patience is a gift from God, cultivated through trials and the scriptures, and is necessary for spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's promises. He encourages believers to look to Christ as the ultimate example of patience and to draw strength from the hope of eternal glory. The sermon serves as a reminder that patience is not only a virtue but a crucial aspect of faith that leads to spiritual maturity.
Enoch Escaped Death
By A.W. Tozer0RaptureFaithGEN 5:24MAT 24:42JHN 14:2ROM 1:171CO 15:51EPH 2:81TH 4:16HEB 11:52PE 3:9REV 3:10A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of Enoch's life as a model for believers in today's troubled times, illustrating that Enoch's faith led to his translation into God's presence, allowing him to escape death. This serves as a powerful reminder for Christians to heed the Word of God and live faithfully, as Enoch's experience foreshadows the future rapture of the Church. Tozer suggests that Enoch's departure may have puzzled those around him, highlighting the contrast between a faithful walk with God and the struggles of the world.
Part 23: Premillennialism and the Tribulation
By John F. Walvoord0DEU 4:29JER 30:4DAN 9:24MAT 24:15ROM 5:91TH 1:92PE 2:6REV 3:10John F. Walvoord preaches on the nature of the tribulation, emphasizing the importance of a literal interpretation of Scripture to understand that the church of the present age will not go through the tribulation. The Old Testament and New Testament passages clearly indicate that the tribulation is focused on Israel, Gentile powers, and saints, but not on the church. The nature of the church versus the nature of Israel further supports the pretribulation viewpoint, highlighting the distinction between the true church and the professing church, as well as the difference between the true church and true Israel.
Part 27: Posttribulationism
By John F. Walvoord0JER 30:7DAN 12:1MAT 24:21LUK 21:36JHN 16:33ACT 14:22ROM 2:91TH 5:9REV 2:10REV 3:10John F. Walvoord discusses the contrasting views of Posttribulationism and Pretribulationism within the church, highlighting the majority acceptance of Pretribulationism among premillenarians. Posttribulationism is described as the belief that the church will go through the predicted tribulation, embraced by various denominations. The variations within Posttribulationism are explored, with some viewing the entire present age as the tribulation while others see it as a future period. The arguments for Posttribulationism are examined, including the ad hominem approach and the historical perspective, with a focus on the nature of the tribulation and the church.
Conclusion: Fifty Arguments for Pretribulationism
By John F. Walvoord0REV 3:10John F. Walvoord presents a comprehensive defense of pretribulationism by providing fifty arguments in support of this view. The sermon emphasizes the historical, hermeneutical, and theological reasons for believing in the pretribulational position, highlighting the distinction between the rapture and the second coming of Christ. The sermon also addresses key points such as the nature of the tribulation, the nature of the church, and the doctrine of imminency, all of which contribute to the pretribulational interpretation of end times events.
May the Lord Come at Any Time?
By C.I. Scofield0MAT 24:14LUK 19:111CO 15:221TH 4:13REV 3:10C.I. Scofield delves into the Scriptures to shed light on the timing of the second coming of Christ, emphasizing the importance of understanding the event of the Lord descending into the air for His church as revealed through the Apostle Paul. The sermon focuses on the belief that this event could happen at any time, supported by the absence of specific predicted events that must occur before His coming and the believer's attitude of eagerly waiting for the blessed hope of His return.
The Church and the Great Tribulation
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JER 30:7MAT 16:18ACT 14:22ROM 8:35ROM 12:12EPH 3:11TH 5:92TH 1:4REV 3:10Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the blessed hope of the coming of our Lord, emphasizing the revival of the study of prophecy and the separation of believers based on sound doctrine. He delves into the distinction between the Coming of the Lord for His Saints and with His Saints, addressing the controversy surrounding the church's relation to the great tribulation. Gaebelein explores the origin and destiny of the church, highlighting its heavenly calling and the love-relation as the bride of Christ. He also discusses the nature of tribulation, distinguishing between personal tribulations faced by believers and the future punitive tribulation upon the world and Israel.
The Lord's Coming, as It Will Affect the Assembly
By H.J. Vine0ACT 1:11EPH 1:13PHP 1:231TH 4:152TH 3:52PE 3:15REV 3:10REV 19:7REV 21:2H.J. Vine preaches on the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, and believers will be caught up to meet Him in the air. The joy of the Lord in having His redeemed ones with Him will be beyond measure, fulfilling His sufferings on the cross. Despite uncertainties and fears, believers are encouraged to trust in Christ's perfect love that casts out all fear and eagerly await His coming to take them to be with Him forever.
Epistle 361
By George Fox0MAT 28:18JHN 1:17JHN 8:32JHN 15:41CO 15:45GAL 5:12TI 3:5HEB 12:21JN 1:7REV 3:10George Fox preaches about the importance of abiding in Christ through His grace, truth, and light, emphasizing that without Jesus, we can do nothing and that true Christians must walk in the light, grace, and truth to have His presence and strength. He warns against false teachers who have the form of godliness but deny its power, urging believers to turn away from them. Fox highlights the significance of true liberty found in the gospel, faith, and spirit of Christ, guiding believers to stand firm in the freedom that comes from Jesus. He encourages believers to seek heavenly unity, worship in spirit and truth, and hold fast to the pure faith and liberty provided by Christ.
Epistle 400
By George Fox0GEN 3:15PRO 23:23ISA 32:18JER 9:3JHN 8:321CO 13:72TI 2:24JAS 3:171PE 1:231JN 4:16REV 3:10REV 17:14George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in God's love, patience, and truth, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's Word and the need to abide in it. He encourages living in heavenly wisdom, maintaining a gentle and lamb-like nature, and valiantly upholding God's truth without compromise. Fox reminds believers that the truth sets them free and leads to a peaceable habitation, ultimately bringing glory to God in all aspects of their lives.
Epistle 420
By George Fox0Divine ProvidenceFaithDAN 2:35MAT 5:13MAT 10:29HEB 11:1REV 3:10George Fox encourages believers to find life, salvation, and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ, even amidst worldly troubles and captivity. He emphasizes the importance of faith, citing examples from scripture where the faithful were delivered by God's power, and urges his listeners to stand firm in their faith without complaint. Fox calls on them to be a light in the world, demonstrating good works that glorify God, and to fulfill their divine purpose in every situation. He reminds them of God's providence and the need to remain steadfast in the word of power, patience, and wisdom.
Christian Fellowship
By Thomas Reade0JHN 13:35ROM 12:91CO 13:4EPH 4:15COL 3:141TH 4:9HEB 5:131PE 3:82PE 1:7REV 3:10Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of Christian fellowship, emphasizing the unity, love, and harmony that should exist among believers. He highlights the beauty and blessedness of Christian love as a reflection of discipleship to Jesus. Despite the challenges and imperfections within the church, Reade encourages believers to strive for maturity in Christian experience and ripeness in Christian graces, aiming for consistency and sincerity in their walk with God. He concludes with a call to embrace the communion of saints, finding joy in the everlasting bond of Christian friendship and the promise of perfect unity in the presence of God.
To Friends, Captives at Macqueness
By George Fox0MAT 5:13MAT 6:26COL 3:17REV 3:10George Fox encourages his friends who are captives at Macqueness to find rest and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ, reminding them of the presence of God's grace, light, and truth even in their captivity. He urges them to stand firm in faith and power, drawing examples from biblical figures who were delivered by faith. Fox suggests that they have meetings to comfort and refresh one another, worshiping God together and being a good example to all around them. He advises them to petition their captors for a day in the week to worship and serve God in spirit and truth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The word of my patience - The doctrine which has exposed you to so much trouble and persecution, and required so much patience and magnanimity to bear up under its attendant trials. The hour of temptation - A time of sore and peculiar trial which might have proved too much for their strength. He who is faithful to the grace of God is often hidden from trials and difficulties which fall without mitigation on those who have been unfaithful in his covenant. Many understand by the hour of temptation the persecution under Trajan, which was greater and more extensive than the preceding ones under Nero and Domitian. To try them - That is, such persecutions will be the means of trying and proving those who profess Christianity, and showing who were sound and thorough Christians and who were not.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
patience--"endurance." "The word of My endurance" is My Gospel word, which teaches patient endurance in expectation of my coming (Rev 1:9). My endurance is the endurance which I require, and which I practice. Christ Himself now endures, patiently waiting until the usurper be cast out, and all "His enemies be made His footstool." So, too, His Church, for the joy before her of sharing His coming kingdom, endures patiently. Hence, in Rev 3:11, follows, "Behold, I come quickly." I also--The reward is in kind: "because thou didst keep," &c. "I also (on My side) will keep thee," &c. from--Greek, "(so as to deliver thee) out of," not to exempt from temptation. the hour of temptation--the appointed season of affliction and temptation (so in Deu 4:34 the plagues are called "the temptations of Egypt"), literally, "the temptation": the sore temptation which is coming on: the time of great tribulation before Christ's second coming. to try them that dwell upon the earth--those who are of earth, earthy (Rev 8:13). "Dwell" implies that their home is earth, not heaven. All mankind, except the elect (Rev 13:8, Rev 13:14). The temptation brings out the fidelity of those kept by Christ and hardens the unbelieving reprobates (Rev 9:20-21; Rev 16:11, Rev 16:21). The particular persecutions which befell Philadelphia shortly after, were the earnest of the great last tribulation before Christ's coming, to which the Church's attention in all ages is directed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, I come quickly,.... To bring on this hour of temptation on the reformed churches, which will be at the beginning of this period; to help and deliver, save and preserve the truly godly among them; to destroy antichrist, and introduce the latter day glory: hold that fast which thou hast; either her grace in the exercise of it, as her faith, patience, &c. or rather the doctrines of the Gospel, and the ordinances of it, which she had received, as delivered by Christ and his apostles: and which she had held in the truth and purity of them, and is now exhorted to hold them fast, since this hour of temptation would be a trying time to her faith, patience, integrity, and constancy: that no man take thy crown; not eternal happiness, called a crown of life, glory, and righteousness, and which was prepared for her, and promised to her, and would be certainly given her; nor was there any danger of another's taking it from her; not but that exhortations of this kind to the saints are necessary, with respect to that, to excite to diligence, care, and watchfulness; and are no ways contrary to their final perseverance, and certain salvation, but are means thereof: but either her honour for her faith and faithfulness, for her integrity, sincerity, and purity, is here meant; or the glorious things which were spoken of this church state, and to be accomplished in it, Psa 87:3; see Isa 60:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 Jesus will protect Christians who persevere through trials (cp. Isa 43:2-4; John 10:27-28; 1 Cor 10:13; Heb 6:18-19). • The great time of testing refers to the end times, when the world experiences tribulation.