The “hour of temptation,” which was to “come upon all the world, to try them that dwell on the earth,” was to be one of peculiar trial. Some suppose it had reference to the persecution under Trajan, which was more severe and extensive than those under Nero, or Domitian: and others that it was the Mohammedan delusion. In such times there are peculiar temptations to apostatize, and the less faithful are in more danger of apostasy than others. But because the Philadelphian church had been faithful thus far, they were to be kept from that trying hour. When the scourge of Mohammedanism swept over all the other churches of Asia, this church maintained its integrity. Says Gibbon: “Among the Greek colonies and churches of Asia, Philadelphia is still erect, a column in a scene of ruins. At a distance from the sea, forgotten by the emperors, encompassed on all sides by the Turks, her valiant citizens defended their religion and their freedom above fourscore years, and at length capitulated with the proudest of the Ottomans.” Philadelphia is still the seat of an archbishop, and contains from six hundred to seven hundred Greek houses, and several places of Christian worship. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations,” 2 Pet. 2:9. They are encouraged to constancy by the prospect of the coming coronation day, when “the Lord; the righteous Judge shall give” a “crown of righteousness,” “unto all them that love his appearing,” 2 Tim. 4:8. He has said “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (2:10); and therefore “when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away,” 1 Pet. 5:4. A pillar in the temple of God, is expressive of a position which shall give support to the church, which is erected “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; In whom the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit,” Eph. 2:20-22. To receive the name of God, is to be recognized as belonging to God. As masters designated their servants by branding their name on them, or by some peculiar mark, so the children of God are referred to by the same figure. In a subsequent vision John saw with the Lamb on Mount Zion, “an hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads,” 14:1. Their connection with new Jerusalem is similarly designated. Epistle to the Church in Laodicea.