Summary: If Sardis showed us that apparently impressive churches can be spiritually unhealthy; Philadelphia shows us the opposite—that apparently unimpressive churches can be deeply pleasing to Christ.  Though Philadelphia had “little power” (v.8), they receive no word of rebuke from Jesus—only commendation and encouragement for their perseverance in the faith…especially in light of the persecution they were facing from the Jews.  Christ seems to care little about the kinds of external factors we tend to use to evaluate ‘successful’ churches and ‘successful’ Christian lives.  His focus is on their simple trust in, dependence upon, and perseverance in following him.  As such, Christ is eager to remind them that, in spite of what the synagogue was saying about them, by their faith in him, these beleaguered Christians are indeed the true people of God.  The Holy one has opened the door of heaven to them (v.7-8); their faith will be vindicated before the faces of their persecutors (v.9), and they will enjoy places of honour in the presence of God forever (v.12).  It’s a reminder to us of our call to simple faith and perseverance in following Christ, regardless of how ‘successful’ (or not) our lives appear.