Philadelphia, love of brother, was a city of the province of Lydia in western Asia Minor (present day Turkey). It was founded by Attalus II, king of Pergamum, who named it out of deep devotion to his brother, Eumenes II. It was situated on the Cogamus River about 28 miles southeast of Sardis and from its beginning, it was intended as a "missionary" city for the promotion of Hellenism—Greek Culture.
In ancient times, Philadelphia was known as "Little Athens" because it had many temples and festivals to pagan deities. It was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in AD 17, but was rebuilt with the help of the Roman Emperor Tiberias.
In the Revelation, John describes the church in Philadelphia as a faithful church that stood at the gateway of a great opportunity. (Rev 3:7-13) Christ said to this church, "See, I have set before you an open door and no one can shut it." (v. 8) Just as Philadelphia had an "open door" to promote Hellenism, the church had an "open door" to promote the gospel of Christ.
Still a city of considerable size, Philadelphia is known today as Alasehir, or Allah-shehr ("the city of God").
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