The Church of Philadelphia in Revelation

Philadelphia literally means “brotherly love.” Situated at a major crossroads leading to Mysia, Lydia, and Phrygia, it was a bustling hub for trade caravans. The Greeks founded the city with the purpose of spreading Greek culture to the east, which is why it was called the “gateway to the East.” When Muslims swept through Asia Minor, Philadelphia was a Christian stronghold that stood for a long time, only falling in the mid-14th century. Of the seven churches, only Smyrna and Philadelphia still have an existing church today. The church of Philadelphia had received its “crown” and it would not be taken away, but if it did not “hold fast,” it could be given up, just as Esau willingly gave up his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34).

After the great earthquake of 17 AD, Philadelphia was frequently hit by aftershocks, and residents had to be ready to flee the city at any moment. Therefore, the promise “never again will they go out” held special significance for the people of Philadelphia, who yearned for security. “My new name” may refer to Christ revealing himself to us in a new identity in the new heavens and new earth. The “new name” had a special meaning for the believers in Philadelphia, as the city itself had been renamed at least twice: once as Neo-Caesarea to commemorate Emperor Tiberius’s donation for its rebuilding after the 17 AD earthquake, and another time as Flavia, after the family name of Emperor Vespasian (reigned 69–79 AD).

Though small, Philadelphia was, like the church in Smyrna, free from internal strife and only faced external persecution. Jesus had only praise for this church, and no rebuke. Today, many churches are like Philadelphia: small in size, yet they do not follow heretical teachings. Though persecuted, they remain faithful to God’s word. Even if such a church has “little strength” and little influence in the world, and mainstream society has shut its doors to them, the Lord himself will give them “an open door that no one can shut.” They do not rely on pleasing the world to spread the gospel, because they believe that only Christ holds the “key of David, which no one can shut when he opens and no one can open when he shuts.” They are simply faithful to the Lord’s word, and the Lord himself will take responsibility to “add to their number day by day those who are being saved” (Acts 2:47) and will even make their persecutors bow down before them!