‘I know what you’ve been doing. Look! I’ve opened a door in front of you, and no one can shut it. I know you don’t have much strength, but you’ve obeyed my word, and you haven’t denied me.
“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.
When they arrived in Antioch, they gathered the church together and told everything that God had done through them. They shared how he had opened a way for the Gentiles to believe.
‘I know that even though you live where Satan has his throne, you’re still faithful to me. You didn’t give up your faith even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city, where Satan lives.
You’ve kept my command to remain strong in the faith no matter what happens, so I’m going to keep you from the time of suffering that the rest of the world is going to experience. That suffering will test those who live on the earth.
Anyone who doesn’t provide for their own relatives, and especially for their own family, has denied the faith and is worse than someone who doesn’t believe.
“Write this to the angel of the church in Sardis: These are the words of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and has the seven stars in his hand. ‘I know what you’ve been doing. You have a reputation for being alive, but you’re dead.
‘I know what you’ve been doing, how you’ve been working long and hard. I that know you don’t tolerate evil people. You’ve tested those who claim to be apostles but aren’t, and you’ve discovered that they’re fakes.
Certain people have secretly slipped in among you. Long ago it was written that they would be found guilty. They’re ungodly people who misuse the grace of our God as an excuse for sexual sins. They deny Jesus Christ, our only Lord and King.
Remember what I told you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If people have hated me and tried to hurt me, they will do the same to you. If they have obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours too.