Philadelphia

The city, Philadelphia, (now called Alasehir) is located southeast of the biblical site, Sardis (Wilson, 2012). The city was founded by a Pergamene king named Attalus II (159-138 BC). The Romans had attempted to pit Attalus II and his brother Eumenes II, but he remained loyal to his brother, earning the nickname “Philadelphius” and thus the city name, “city of brotherly love”. Philadelphia’s location is one of a strategic nature, situated along the Roman road leading from Troas, Pergamum, Sardis toward Tarsus and the East (Wilson, 2012). It was also considered the “open door” to Phrygia. This crossroads allowed for easier access to trade routes and access to both coastlines and the East. 

                  Philadelphia’s surrounding area was a particularly fertile agricultural center (Fant & Reddish, 2003). Grapes abound in the area, but so do earthquakes. In 17 AD, Philadelphia was almost destroyed by a massive earthquake and its aftershocks. This faulty earth, protected by the Roman empire, was able to rebuild itself using Roman funding, and in gratitude, became a Neocesearea. A Neocesarea meant that the city was granted permission to build a temple to an Emperor and were then granted certain favorable conditions such as minimal tax collection. Their temple dedicated to Tiberius, was the foreground of an eventually prosperous city.

Very little remains of the ancient city of Philadelphia, only a few supporting columns from a Christian church built well after biblical times.

Because of the late establishment of the city, their lack of tradition led to more religious freedoms. There is much evidence of the rampant polytheism of the Hellenistic Roman Empire and other religious traditions such as Judaism and other monotheistic religions (Wilson, 2012). This freedom led to the growth of the Christian church in the first century and thus the reference to the church in Philadelphia in the book of Revelation.

A marble slab with an inscription found at the ancient site of Philadelphia.

A sarcophogas found at the site. After the city was destroyed, this area was probably used as a cemetery.

                  In Revelation 3:7-13, John addresses one of the seven churches of Revelation: Philadelphia. It was one of the two churches that received praise at this time, instead of tough love.  In this passage, Christ asserts that Philadelphia, being the crossroads that it was, will continue to be a gatekeeping city of people who seemingly have little power, but a mighty presence in the sight of the Lord. Christ also asserts that the people of Philadelphia are patient and enduring in their sufferings on the Lord’s behalf, and that their faithfulness has continued to be steadfast. Philadelphia, being in an unstable territory due to earthquakes, also was affirmed that they will be pillars in the temple of God, an unwavering position for the wearied city (Fant & Reddish, 2003). This good news truly was a gospel of truth for a city with a history of instability. 

Our John, Dr. Yeatts, talking to us about Philadelphia.

- Julia Dematatis