Revelation

THE BOOK OF REVELATION: M. M. NINAN
An inscription from Philadelphia mentions a number of gods and goddesses. Zeus, the chief god, was said
to have commanded people to be pure and to refrain from deceit, murder, theft, adultery, and other types of
evil. There was an altar to Hestia, the goddess of hearth and home. The inscription also mentions the savior
gods, including Good Fortune, Virtue, Health, and other deities.
This city was built by Attillus who built it in memory of his brother. It was the gateway to the Exotic East
as far as the West was concerned. Attilus built it to spread his religion to the entire world. Thus
Philadelphia was built as a missionary city for the Pagan religion. Its major exports were Wine and the
religion of the wine god Dionysius. We could write under major exports column: Spirit and spirit. Down
the main streets of the city were a series of pillars with the names of eminent citizens along with the name
of Emperor who honored them. It was common practice for the city as a form of citation for the citizens
who contributed to the society. It is this practice that is referred to in verse 11. The city itself was in the
volcanic zone and always under constant threat of destruction. Its soil was black soil, which was ideal for
growing grapes - a contribution of the volcanic mountains. Incessantly the walls of the houses are cracked,
different parts of the city being thus affected at different times. For this reason few people live in the city,
and most of them spend their lives as farmers in the country. The city was very wealthy and excavations
indicate that the houses in the city had running hot and cold water. The hot water was piped from hot water
springs which abounded in the volcanic mountain area. It is believed that Christians came in this area in a
humanitarian mission to help the victims of volcanic destruction and won the city. Recent excavations have
uncovered a small Byzantine church, an acropolis, a synagogue and long stretch of Royal Road with large
columns on either side. Famous residents of the area include King Midas and Aesop. who is holy and true,
who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
The Key of David
The Key of David mentioned here is a direct reference to Isaiah’s prophecy:
Isa 22:20 "In that day I will summon my servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah. 21 I will clothe him with your
robe and fasten your sash around him and hand your authority over to him. He will be a father to those who
live in Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. 22 I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David;
what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
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