Philadelphia
Philadelphia was an ancient city in the region of Lydia in western Asia Minor, founded in the second century BC and named for the brotherly love of its Pergamene founder. It became one of the seven churches addressed by the risen Christ in Revelation, and notably received no rebuke, only commendation and encouragement. In Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus acknowledges that the church in Philadelphia has little strength yet has kept His word and not denied His name. He promises to set before them an open door that no one can shut, to make their persecutors acknowledge God's love for them, and to keep them from the hour of trial coming upon the whole world. The faithful are promised to be made pillars in the temple of God, bearing the name of God, the new Jerusalem, and Christ's own new name. Philadelphia's message offers profound encouragement to small, faithful communities facing opposition, assuring them that perseverance in faith, even with limited resources, receives divine honor and eternal reward.
Details
- Region
- Asia Minor
- Modern Location
- Alaลehir, Manisa Province, western Turkey
Key Passages
Letter to the Church in Philadelphia
Revelation 3:7-13
Christ's commendation of Philadelphia encourages faithful believers that perseverance with little strength still receives divine honor and protection.
7nd to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;