“Write this to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: These are the words of the one who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. No one can shut what he opens, and no one can open what he shuts.
We also know that the Son of God has come and given us understanding so that we can know the God who is true. And we are in the true God by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Unlike many people, we aren’t selling God’s word to make money. It’s just the opposite! Because of Christ, we speak honestly before God, as people God has truly sent.
But, as you know, I didn’t come to Corinth on my way to Macedonia. I stayed away because I wanted to spare you. (God is my witness that this was the reason—may he take my life if I’m lying!)
Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courtyard, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I’m from. I’m not here on my own authority. The one who sent me is true. You don’t know him,
We serve God in times of glory and shame, whether the things people say about us are good or bad. We’re genuine, but people treat us as if we were fakes.