Philadelphia
“Brotherly love”
Summary
Philadelphia was one of the seven churches of Asia addressed in Revelation, a city in Lydia founded by King Attalus Philadelphus, praised by Christ for keeping His word and not denying His name despite having 'little strength.'
☩Location and History
Philadelphia stood about twenty-five miles southeast of Sardis, in the plain of the Hermus River at the northeast base of Mount Tmolus. Founded by King Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamos (159-138 BC), it received his name, meaning 'brotherly love.' The city occupied a strategic position on the main trade route from Smyrna, branching eastward toward Phrygia and the Lycus Valley. The surrounding volcanic plateau produced celebrated wines but was subject to frequent earthquakes, which in AD 17 devastated twelve Asian cities including Philadelphia. The constant expense of repairs may account for the 'little strength' of its church.
☩The Church's Commendation
Christ addresses the Philadelphian church as He 'who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and shuts and no one opens' (Revelation 3:7). Before them is set 'an open door which no one can shut.' Though they had little power—few in number and poor in resources—they kept Christ's word and did not deny His name. The Jews of Philadelphia, who claimed to be the true people of God, are called 'the synagogue of Satan' who would eventually bow before the faithful church. Christ promises to keep them 'from the hour of trial which is coming upon the whole world.'
☩Later History
Philadelphia remarkably fulfilled its promise to be 'a pillar in the temple of God.' Among Greek churches and cities of Asia, it 'stood erect, a column in a scene of ruins' (Gibbon), holding out against the Turks longer than any other—over eighty years—defending its faith and freedom until conquered by Bayezid in 1390. Today as Alaşehir ('city of God'), it retains a Christian population and a Greek bishop, with ruins of ancient churches testifying to its Christian heritage. The city that once shook with earthquakes received the promise of permanence: the overcomer made 'a pillar in the temple of my God,' never to go out.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Philadelphia," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Philadelphia," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Philadelphia," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.James Orr (ed.), "Philadelphia," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).