Philadelphia History

History of Philadelphia one of the 7 Churches of Book of Revelation in Asia Minor

Philadelphia, now known as Alasehir in western Turkey, has notable historical significance. It is referred to as the faithful church in the Book of Revelation.. ​The Philadelphia Church is praised for its perseverance despite its weakness. The letter also addresses the existence of people who falsely claim to be Jews but are actually members of the "synagogue of Satan." 

Philadelphia, a city full of history, has its origins dates back to the Pergamon kingdom in the 2nd century BC. It was named Philadelphia, meaning "the city of brotherly love" in Greek, in honor of the two Pergamon kings. The ancient city of Philadelphia, which prospered during the Pergamon Kingdom, continued to maintain its importance as one of the major cities of the Romans in Asia Minor throughout the Roman period. With its strategic location, Philadelphia emerged as a vital center for trade. As the Romans expanded their influence in Asia Minor, Philadelphia became a vibrant economic and administrative center attracting merchants, officials, and settlers. 

Philadelphia has a deep-rooted reputation for its viticulture, dating back to ancient times and continuing to this day. However, in addition to this prestigious reputation, the region also faced great earthquakes. Earthquakes in Philadelphia were more severe than in other regions. A catastrophic earthquake devastated both Philadelphia and Sardis in 17 BC. The famous geographer Strabon,  called Philadelphia the "earthquake city". Following the devastating earthquake, Roman emperor Tiberius demonstrated his determination to rebuild the city and support its people by funding not only Sardis but also Philadelphia. As a huge sign of gratitude, the city's inhabitants decided to rename their city Neocaesaria, meaning "Caesar's new city", as a tribute to Tiberius' support. With Tiberius' benevolence, the city was reborn. After Claudius, the town reverted to its original name, Philadelphia. 

During the Roman period the city experienced significant growth and development. Following the spread of Christianity around 40AD, it emerged as an important center for Paul's disciples to gather. In Paul's time, the Philadelphia Church was founded. 

​Philadelphia and Smyrna are two churches that received no word of criticism from John. The Philadelphia church was known for its loyalty and was promised physical protection. The reference to the "Key of David" refers to the power and authority they had. Even though they were seen as weak in the eyes of the world, they remained faithful to the teachings of Christ. As a reward for their loyalty, they were presented with new opportunities. It is important to note that the open door the Lord spoke of was given to Philadelphians after they proved themselves worthy. The phrase "synagogue of satan" does not refer to a literal place, but to a group of people who are described as liars. These people falsely claimed to be Jews. The purpose behind their deception is not clearly stated. Faithful Philadelphians were promised the privilege of reigning with Christ.

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We are proud to offer an extraordinary 7 Churches of Revelation Tour in Turkey, which includes a visit to the historic city of Philadelphia. As experts in our field, we are committed to providing a unique experience carefully curated to capture the essence of this sacred journey. With meticulous attention to detail, our tour covers all the important sites mentioned in the Book of Revelation and provides a comprehensive exploration of these holy places. From the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient cities to the tranquil landscapes that surround them, our tour provides a deep insight into the rich history and spiritual significance of each of the seven churches. If you would like to learn more or have questions, please contact us. We are ready to assist you and ensure that your journey to the seven churches is both meaningful and memorable.