Revelation 3:7-13

Philadelphia is the sixth church mentioned in the book of Revelation. Along with Smyrna, it is one of only two churches that received no rebuke or correction from Jesus-only praise and encouragement.

It was located about 28 miles southeast of Sardis, situated in a fertile valley famous for its grapes and wine production. Today, the modern Turkish city of Alasehir sits over the ancient ruins.

It was the youngest of the seven cities, founded intentionally to be a "missionary city" for Greek culture and language to the surrounding regions. It was situated on a major imperial postal road, earning it the nickname "the gateway to the East."

It was heavily prone to earthquakes. A massive earthquake in AD 17 devastated the city. For years afterward, the citizens lived in constant fear of aftershocks, often fleein ...