Revelation 3:9
Look 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.
Look at those
The phrase "Look at those" serves as a directive from Christ, urging the reader to pay attention to a specific group of people. In the Greek, the word "ἰδού" (idou) is often used to draw attention to something significant. This is a call to discernment, encouraging believers to be aware of the spiritual realities and challenges they face. It emphasizes the importance of vigilance and awareness in the Christian walk.

who belong to the synagogue of Satan
The term "synagogue of Satan" is a strong metaphorical expression. Historically, a synagogue is a place of assembly for Jews, but here it is used to describe those who oppose the true faith. The Greek word "συναγωγή" (synagōgē) means assembly, and its use here indicates a gathering that is contrary to God's purposes. This phrase suggests a counterfeit religious community that claims to represent God but is actually aligned with Satanic deception. It serves as a warning against false teachings and the importance of adhering to true doctrine.

who claim to be Jews but are liars instead
This phrase addresses the issue of false identity and deception. The Greek word for "claim" is "λέγοντες" (legontes), meaning to say or assert. The individuals in question assert a Jewish identity, which in the biblical context, implies a claim to be God's chosen people. However, they are called "liars," from the Greek "ψεύσται" (pseustai), indicating deliberate falsehood. This highlights the theme of spiritual authenticity versus hypocrisy, reminding believers that true identity in Christ is not about outward claims but inward truth.

I will make them come and bow down at your feet
This promise reflects a reversal of roles and a vindication of the faithful. The act of bowing down, from the Greek "προσκυνήσουσιν" (proskynēsousin), signifies submission and acknowledgment of authority. Historically, this imagery echoes Old Testament prophecies where nations would bow before Israel, God's chosen people (e.g., Isaiah 60:14). Here, it symbolizes the ultimate recognition of the truth and the vindication of those who remain faithful to Christ. It reassures believers that despite current opposition, God's justice will prevail.

and they will know that I love you
This concluding promise emphasizes the assurance of Christ's love for His faithful followers. The Greek word for "know" is "γνώσονται" (gnōsontai), which implies a deep, experiential understanding. This knowledge is not just intellectual but transformative, as it reveals the depth of Christ's commitment to His church. The phrase underscores the theme of divine love as the ultimate validation and reward for believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that, despite trials and opposition, the love of Christ is the foundation and assurance of the believer's hope and identity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Synagogue of Satan
This term refers to a group of people who claim to be Jews but are not true followers of God. They are described as liars and are opposed to the Christian believers in Philadelphia.

2. Jews
In this context, it refers to those who claim Jewish identity but do not follow the true spiritual path of Judaism, which acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah.

3. Philadelphia
One of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Known for its faithfulness, it receives commendation from Jesus.

4. Jesus Christ
The speaker in this passage, who promises vindication and recognition of His love for the faithful believers.

5. Believers in Philadelphia
The faithful Christians who are being reassured of Christ's love and the eventual recognition of their faithfulness.
Teaching Points
True Identity in Christ
Our identity should be rooted in Christ, not in outward claims or appearances. True faith is demonstrated through spiritual transformation and obedience to God.

Vindication of the Faithful
God promises to vindicate those who remain faithful to Him. We can trust that He will reveal the truth and honor those who are steadfast in their faith.

Love and Assurance from Christ
Jesus assures His followers of His love. This assurance should encourage us to persevere in our faith, knowing that we are deeply loved by our Savior.

Spiritual Discernment
Believers are called to discern truth from falsehood. We must be vigilant in recognizing those who claim to be of God but do not bear the fruits of true faith.

Endurance in Persecution
The church in Philadelphia faced opposition, yet they remained faithful. We are encouraged to endure trials and opposition, knowing that God sees and will reward our faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of the "synagogue of Satan" challenge us to examine the authenticity of our own faith and identity in Christ?

2. In what ways can we find assurance in Christ's love, especially when facing opposition or persecution?

3. How does the promise of vindication for the faithful in Revelation 3:9 encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith today?

4. What practical steps can we take to develop spiritual discernment and recognize false teachings or claims within the church?

5. How can the example of the church in Philadelphia inspire us to endure and remain faithful in our own spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 60:14
This verse speaks of the sons of those who afflicted Israel coming to bow down, which parallels the promise in Revelation 3:9 of vindication and recognition.

Romans 2:28-29
Paul discusses the true nature of being a Jew, emphasizing inward spiritual transformation over outward identity, which connects to the idea of false claims of Jewish identity in Revelation 3:9.

Philippians 2:10-11
The ultimate acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship by all, which complements the theme of recognition and bowing down in Revelation 3:9.
An Open Door for Little StrengthW. M. Taylor, D. D.Revelation 3:7-13
Commendation for the SteadfastC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 3:7-13
God Opens DoorsLyman Abbott, D. D.Revelation 3:7-13
God's Word in Safe CustodyW. G. Barrett.Revelation 3:7-13
Keeping and KeptA. Maclaren, D. D.Revelation 3:7-13
Letter to the Church At PhiladelphiaS. Conway Revelation 3:7-13
Opened DoorsLyman Abbott, D. D.Revelation 3:7-13
Perseverance in WeaknessW. Mitchell, M. A.Revelation 3:7-13
Philadelphia -- the Patient ChurchA. Mackennal, D. D.Revelation 3:7-13
Subjugation of the Enemies of the Gospel J. Hyatt.Revelation 3:7-13
Temptation Consolidates CharacterDean Goulburn.Revelation 3:7-13
The Address to PhiladelphiaG. Rogers.Revelation 3:7-13
The Church Small in its Temporal ResourcesJ. S. Exell, M. A.Revelation 3:7-13
The Epistle to the Church in PhiladelphiaR. Green Revelation 3:7-13
The Happiness of Being Kept from the Hour of TemptationR. South, D. D.Revelation 3:7-13
The Key of DavidH. Bonar, D. D.Revelation 3:7-13
The Open and Shut DoorW. Pulsford, D. D.Revelation 3:7-13
The Words of Christ to the Church At PhiladelphiaD. Thomas Revelation 3:7-13
The Words of Christ to the Congregation At PhiladelphiaD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 3:7-13
Times of TrialC. Colton.Revelation 3:7-13
True Moral StrengthCaleb Morris.Revelation 3:7-13
People
David, John
Places
Jerusalem, Laodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis
Topics
Acknowledge, Adversary, Behold, Belonging, Bow, Cause, Claim, Fall, Homage, Jews, Learn, Liars, Lie, Lie-i, Love, Loved, Satan, Satan's, Saying, Synagogue, Themselves, Though, Worship
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 3:9

     2048   Christ, love of
     4123   Satan, deceiver
     5151   feet

Library
August 5. "If any Man Hear My Voice and Open the Door I Will Come into Him and Will Sup with Him and He with Me" (Rev. Iii. 20).
"If any man hear My voice and open the door I will come into him and will sup with him and he with Me" (Rev. iii. 20). Some of us are starving, and wondering why the Holy Spirit does not fill us. We have plenty coming in, but we do not give it out. Give out the blessing you have, start larger plans for service and blessing, and you will soon find that the Holy Ghost is before you, and He will "prevent you with the blessings of goodness," and give you all that He can trust you to give away to others.
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
(Revelation, Chapters iv. and v.) "We are watching, we are waiting, For the bright prophetic day; When the shadows, weary shadows, From the world shall roll away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the star that brings the day; When the night of sin shall vanish, And the shadows melt away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the beauteous King of day; For the chiefest of ten thousand, For the Light, the Truth, the Way. "We are waiting for the morning, When the beauteous day is dawning, We are
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

A Solemn Warning for all Churches
I. GENERAL DEFILEMENT. The holy apostle, John, said of the church in Sardis, "These things saith he that hath the Seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou has a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou has received and heard, and hold fast and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Loved Ones Chastened
The fact is, that this world is not the place of punishment. There may now and then be eminent judgments; but as a rule God does not in the present state fully punish any man for sin. He allows the wicked to go on in their wickedness; he throws the reins upon their necks; he lets them go on unbridled in their lusts; some checks of conscience there may be; but these are rather, as monitions than as punishments. And, on the other hand, he casts the Christian down; he gives the most afflictions to the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Commendation for the Steadfast
The Philadelphian saints, like the limpet, which has but little strength, stuck firmly to the rock, and they are commended for it. They had little strength, but they kept God's word, and they did not deny his name. Possibly if they had felt stronger they might have presumptuously quitted the word of the Lord for the opinions of men, as the Galatians did, and then they would have lost their reward. May every church of the Lord Jesus Christ, whether it have little strength or much, be concerned to
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 30: 1884

23D DAY. A Speedy Coming.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "Behold, I come quickly."--REV. iii. 11. A Speedy Coming. "Even so! come, Lord Jesus!" "Why tarry the wheels of Thy chariot?" Six thousand years this world has rolled on, getting hoary with age, and wrinkled with sins and sorrows. A waiting Church sees the long-drawn shadows of twilight announcing, "The Lord is at hand." Prepare, my soul, to meet Him. Oh! happy days, when thine adorable Redeemer, so long dishonoured and despised, shall be publicly enthroned, in presence
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Love in Chastisement.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten."--REV. iii. 19. Love in Chastisement. Sorrowing Believer! what couldst thou wish more than this? Thy furnace is severe; but look at this assurance of Him who lighted it. Love is the fuel that feeds its flames! Its every spark is love! Kindled by a Father's hand, and designed as a special pledge of a Father's love. How many of his dear children has He so rebuked and chastened; and all, all for one reason, "I love them!"
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

The Disciple, -- Master, what are Heaven and Hell...
The Disciple,--Master, what are heaven and hell, and where are they? The Master,--1. Heaven and hell are the two opposite states in the spiritual realm. They have their origin in the heart of man and it is in this world that their foundations are laid. Since man cannot see his own spirit, so neither can he see these two states of the soul. But he has experience of them within him, just as he feels pain from a blow and perceives sweetness from eating sweetmeats. The wound caused by the blow may increase
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Universality of Actual Grace
The gratuity of grace does not conflict with its universality. Though God distributes His graces freely, He grants them to all men without exception, because He wills all to be saved. This divine "will to save" (voluntas Dei salvifica) may be regarded in relation either to the wayfaring state or to the status termini. Regarded from the first-mentioned point of view it is a merciful will (voluntas misericordiae) and is generally called first or antecedent will (voluntas prima s. antecedens)
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Of Self-Denial and the Casting Away all Selfishness
"My Son, thou canst not possess perfect liberty unless thou altogether deny thyself. All they are enslaved who are possessors of riches, they who love themselves, the selfish, the curious, the restless; those who ever seek after soft things, and not after the things of Jesus Christ; those who continually plan and devise that which will not stand. For whatsoever cometh not of God shall perish. Hold fast the short and complete saying, 'Renounce all things, and thou shalt find all things; give up
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Exalted One.
Hebrews i. SOME thirty-five years ago, when the so-called "Higher Criticism" had begun its destructive work, a believer living in England, predicted that within thirty years the storm would gather over one sacred head. How this has come true! Satan's work of undermining the authority of the Bible, a pernicious work still going on, is but the preliminary to an attack of the Person of Christ. To-day as never before the glorious Person of our Lord is being belittled in the camp of Christendom. This
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Inspiration.
"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write, These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God."-- Rev. iii. 1. We do not speak here of the New Testament. Nothing has contributed more to falsify and undermine faith in the Scripture and the orthodox view concerning it than the unhistoric and unnatural practise of considering the Scripture of the Old and the New Testament at the same time. The Old Testament appears first; then came the Word in the flesh; and only after that the Scripture
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Laodicea
We reach, in this last Epistle, the lowest point of Judah's degradation, in that long line of departure from God, from the day Israel left her "first love," even the day of her espousals, when brought forth out of Egypt, down, down through one vast scene of idolatry and judgment, until we find that nation described in the Epistle to the Assembly in Laodicea in a condition of spiritual destitution such as characterised the People in the period of the Minor Prophets. Indeed, so complete is the correspondence,
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Seventh
refers to the throne, of which Solomon's was in every respect the ideal type. This, the highest promise, is given to the overcomers in the lowest condition of Israel's degradation, which is described as in danger of being "spued out." What that was we have already seen (page 89), and now we have the chiefest of all the promises. The overcomers in that last terrible condition of things are the ones who most need the greatest of Divine help and encouragement. Hence the highest promise is given. "To
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Set Me as a Seal Upon Thy Heart, as a Seal Upon Thine Arm; for Love is Strong as Death, Jealousy is Cruel as Hell; the Lights Thereof are Lights of Fire and Flames.
The Bridegroom invites the Spouse to set Him as a seal upon her heart; for as He is the source of her life, He ought also to be its seal. It is He who hinders her from ever leaving so blessed a state; she is then the fountain sealed, which none but Himself can either open or shut. He desires also that she should set Him as a seal upon her exterior and her works, so that everything may be reserved for Him and nothing may move without His directions. She is then a garden enclosed for her Bridegroom,
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

Whether Predestination is Certain?
Objection 1: It seems that predestination is not certain. Because on the words "Hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown," (Rev 3:11), Augustine says (De Corr. et Grat. 15): "Another will not receive, unless this one were to lose it." Hence the crown which is the effect of predestination can be both acquired and lost. Therefore predestination cannot be certain. Objection 2: Further, granted what is possible, nothing impossible follows. But it is possible that one predestined---e.g.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Flimsy Garments
'Their webs shall not become garments.'--ISAIAH lix. 6. 'I counsel thee to buy of me ... white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.'--REV. iii. 18. The force of these words of the prophet is very obvious. He has been pouring out swift, indignant denunciation on the evil-doers in Israel; and, says he, 'they hatch cockatrice's eggs and spin spiders' webs,' pointing, as I suppose, to the patient perseverance, worthy of a better cause, which bad men
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Calling and the Kingdom
'I beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.'--Eph. iv. 1. 'They shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.'--Rev. iii. 4. The estimate formed of a centurion by the elders of the Jews was, 'He is worthy for whom Thou shouldst do this' and in contrast therewith the estimate formed by himself was, 'I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come under my roof.' From these two statements we deduce the thought that merit has no place in the Christian's salvation, but all
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Nineteenth Day for the Holy Spirit on Christendom
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Christendom "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."--2 TIM. iii. 5. "Thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead."--REV. iii. 1. There are five hundred millions of nominal Christians. The state of the majority is unspeakably awful. Formality, worldliness, ungodliness, rejection of Christ's service, ignorance, and indifference--to what an extent does all this prevail. We pray for the heathen--oh! do let us pray for those bearing
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

A Short and Easy Method of Prayer
CHAPTER I The Universal Call to Prayer What a dreadful delusion hath prevailed over the greater part of mankind, in supposing that they are not called to a state of prayer! whereas all are capable of prayer, and are called thereto, as all are called to and are capable of salvation. Prayer is the application of the heart to God, and the internal exercise of love. S. Paul hath enjoined us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. v 17), and our Lord saith, "I say unto you all, watch and pray" (Mark xiii.
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

All are Commanded to Pray --Prayer the Great Means of Salvation
CHAPTER I. ALL ARE COMMANDED TO PRAY--PRAYER THE GREAT MEANS OF SALVATION, AND POSSIBLE AT ALL TIMES BY THE MOST SIMPLE. Prayer is nothing else but the application of the heart to God, and the interior exercise of love. St Paul commands us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. v. 17). Our Lord says: "Take ye heed, watch and pray." "And what I say unto you, I say unto all" (Mark xiii. 33, 37). All, then, are capable of prayer, and it is the duty of all to engage in it. But I do not think that all are
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to Duty.
Sometimes the believer will be under such a distemper, as that he will be as unfit and unable for discharging of any commanded duty, as dead men, or one in a swoon, is to work or go a journey. And it were good to know how Christ should be made use of as the Life, to the end the diseased soul may be delivered from this. For this cause we shall consider those four things: 1. See what are the several steps and degrees of this distemper. 2. Consider whence it cometh, or what are the causes or occasions
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Links
Revelation 3:9 NIV
Revelation 3:9 NLT
Revelation 3:9 ESV
Revelation 3:9 NASB
Revelation 3:9 KJV

Revelation 3:9 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Revelation 3:8
Top of Page
Top of Page