The Philadelphia church in Revelation is the sixth of the seven churches that John wrote to, and its letter is Revelation 3:7-13. The city stood where the town of Alaşehir is today, in Manisa Province in western Turkey. Three huge piers of its Byzantine Church of Saint John are still standing.
Unfortunately, most of the Philadelphia ancient city remains under the modern settlement called Alaşehir today. In the Roman Period, Philadelphia was called “Little Athens” due to the abundance of temples and festivals held in the city. One of the most magnificent monuments of the city today is the Church of St. John, of which only three parts have been preserved. This basilica type church, which was built in the 6th century, underwent several repairs through time.
It is accepted that the Philadelphia (Alaşehir today) church was founded by Attalos the Second, the king of Pergamon Kingdom (Bergama today). This ancient city, known as Alaşehir today, had an important place in the world of trade as a crossroads between the western regions and inner regions of Asia Minor.
Saint John Church, built in the name of Saint John the Evangelist is one of the 7 churches belonging to the first ages of Christianity. Only three of the six giant pillars have survived to our time.
What Can You See at the Church of Saint John in Alaşehir?
Philadelphia of Revelation lies underneath the modern town of Alaşehir, and what stands above ground is very little: three brick piers of the Church of St John in a small enclosure hemmed in by shops and apartment blocks. It is usually the quickest stop on a Seven Churches itinerary — about two hours east of İzmir for a visit of about twenty minutes — and I always say this before we set out. Told in advance, nobody is disappointed. Told nothing, everybody is.
Let’s have a look at what is really there. The church was built on six big piers, and three still stand in middle of the town. Each pier is cut stone at the bottom and thin red brick above, with the curve of an old arch at the top. They are massive, so you will mostly be looking up.
The builders used ancient stones again, so in the grass you can find capitals, column pieces and carved marble blocks. The piers are said to carry painted apostles, but the paint is worn and very hard to see. By the way, Alaşehir is known in Turkey for its sultana raisins, and a minaret nearby the piers reminds you that it is a living town, not a field of ruins.
The piers are a protected monument and the site is restored from time to time, so please keep to the ropes. I recommend my guests to spend a minute at the carved blocks too, because the circles and stars cut into them are very fine.
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
Letter to the Church of Philadelphia
I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
This is God’s word.
What Does Revelation 3:7-13 Mean?
Revelation 3:7-13 is a letter of encouragement to a small church, full of praise and promises. Among the seven letters, only the one to Smyrna also has no rebuke.
The first picture is the key of David. It comes from Isaiah 22:22, where a royal steward is given the key to the king’s house, and Christ holds that key in Revelation. The second picture is the open door. Paul used it in 1 Corinthians 16:9, when he wrote from Ephesus that a great door was open to him. Some think it also suits Philadelphia, which stood at a crossroads to the inner country.
The third picture is the pillar. Philadelphia was famous for earthquakes, and a big one hit it in AD 17. It is believed that many people preferred to live at the fields outside because of the tremors, so a place in God’s temple which you never have to leave must have sounded very safe. The one who conquers will carry the name of God, the name of the new Jerusalem and the new name of Christ (Revelation 3:12).
It is a nice moment to read these verses again beside the piers. On the route, Sardis comes before Philadelphia and Laodicea after it, and my longer post on the Church of Philadelphia tells more about the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Philadelphia church in Revelation today?
The ruins are in the middle of Alaşehir, a town in Manisa Province in western Turkey. Only three piers of the Byzantine Church of Saint John are standing, inside a small enclosure.
Does the church of Philadelphia still exist?
Not as a building, apart from the three piers. But the Christian city lasted many centuries after John, and Philadelphia was one of last Byzantine strongholds in Asia Minor until the Ottomans took it in 1390.
What is the church of Philadelphia in the Bible?
It is the sixth of the seven churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation. The name Philadelphia is Greek and means “one who loves his brother”, and the letter to this church has praise but no rebuke.
