Philadelphia
Where is Philadelphia today? Alaşehir in Manisa; the church in Revelation set before an open door no one can shut, with the chapters where it appears.
- Today
- Alaşehir, Manisa
- Country
- Türkiye
- Status
- Ruins of the Byzantine Church of St John in central Alaşehir
- Identification
- Certain
Philadelphia is one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation; the Kadıköy Kilise translation spells the name Filadelfiya in both Revelation 1:11 and 3:7. The letter opens with the words of Christ, who holds the key of David and opens what no one can shut. Before this church, which has little strength yet has kept his word and not denied his name, he sets an open door that no one can shut (Revelation 3:8). Together with Smyrna, it is one of the two churches that receive no rebuke, and the one who overcomes is promised to become a pillar in the temple of God (Revelation 3:12).
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- What Is a Church (Kilise)?
What is a church, what does the word mean and what does it refer to in the Bible? A short, neutral guide to community vs. building, its origin and its different traditions.
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Where is Philadelphia today?
Philadelphia is in Türkiye today, in the Alaşehir district of Manisa province; the modern town is built over the ancient city. In Revelation the church here, with little strength yet faithful to his word, is set before an open door (Revelation 3:7-8). In the centre of Alaşehir the massive brick piers of the large Byzantine Church of St John still stand. The city is also known as one of the last inland Anatolian cities to remain under Byzantine rule.
What is the open door given to the church in Philadelphia?
In Revelation 3:8 Christ tells the church in Philadelphia that he has set before it an open door that no one can shut. It is an assurance given to a community with little strength that has stayed true to his word. Interpreters usually understand the door as entry into God's kingdom or as an opportunity to proclaim the gospel; Paul likewise speaks of a great and effective door opened to him in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:9).
What does the name Philadelphia mean?
Philadelphia means brotherly love in Greek. The city took its name from Attalus II, king of Pergamum, who was called Philadelphus for his loyalty to his elder brother. The same Greek word is used in the New Testament for the brotherly love among believers.