Philadelphia was a church that kept Christ's Word, even in the midst of a hostile pagan culture. They along with Smyrna were the best churches with no criticism leveled at them from Christ. Churches and individuals today must follow the example the people of Philadelphia set. The message is a call to faithfulness and perseverance. It is also a message of great hope for the believer because Christ promises divine exemption from the Tribulation that is coming on the whole world.