What is…
Philadelphia

also known as: Flavia Philadelphia, Alaşehir, Turkey (modern name), Ala-Shehr, Neocaesarea (brief Roman name)

Greek: Φιλαδέλφεια —transliteration: Philadelpheia —meaning: brotherly love, the city of Philadelphia —derivation: from φιλέω (phileō, meaning “to love”) and ἀδελφός (adelphos, meaning “brother”), thus “brotherly love” —occurrences: 2 (Rev. 1:11; 3:7)

This is an ancient city of Lydia in Asia Minor, about 25 miles southeast of Sardis. It is located in the rich valley of the Cogamis river on elevated ground commanding the extensive and fertile plain of the Gediz River (ancient name: Hermus) at the foot of the Bozdağ Mountain (ancient name: Mount Tmolus). It was on the road connecting Sardis and Laodicea.

The city was established in 189 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamon (197–160 BC). He named the city for the love of his brother Attalus II who would be his successor.

Several times it has been nearly destroyed by the regions frequent earthquakes.

It was an important center of Christianity in early Christian days and the Byzantine period. It was the seat of one of the “seven churches” (Rev. 3:7-12), a church that was faithful, shared the Gospel, and followed God’s Word. They were not secret Christians. This resulted in their persecution by unbelievers. They look forward to the return of Jesus Christ, and God promised them a reward for their faithfulness.

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. —Revelation 3:7-12 NKJV

Modern Alaşehir, Turkey, site of ancient Philadelphia—satellite view

It was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1390, and it is still a city of considerable size called Alaşehir (Alashehir). It was teh last of the cities to surrender.

Within Turkey, its name is synonymous with dried Sultana raisins. It is also known for its mineral springs.

Ancient Philadelphia ruins still visible include an ancient stadium, theater, temple, and necropolis.

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Article Version: December 31, 2024