The City of Philadelphia

 

By Dale Babinsky     The city of Philadelphia was founded around 140 BC by Attalus II, who was the brother of Eumenes the King of Pergamum. Or, perhaps the city was founded by Eumenes himself. Because of his devotion to his brother, Attalus was also referred to as Philadelphus, and the city was named for him. The city was situated in a large valley at the entrance to a very fertile plateau, which was important in the city’s commerce of grape and wine production. The city was also known for its many pagan temples and religious festivals. It seems that the founders intended for the city to be a Greek cultural center to help with the spread of Greek culture to the inhabitants of Phrygia and the surrounding region. Frequent earthquakes were the norm for this region, and indeed a rather severe earthquake in AD 17 destroyed the city of Philadelphia along with Sardis. Tiberius, the Roman Emperor at the time granted the city some tax and disaster relief enabling the rebuilding process to take place.     It is interesting to note that the church in Philadelphia seems to have taken on some of the characteristics of Philadelphus. He was said to be loyal to his brother, and in the church of Philadelphia, the members show a loyalty to Christ and His cause. The city was near the entrance to a prosperous, fertile plateau, and the church is often referred to as the church of the open door, being entrance to a grand eternal realm. The church at Philadelphia has this open door because they still have a little strength, they have not denied the name of Christ even in the Roman persecution, and they have kept the word of Christ (Rev. 3:8).     This is the second location to which Christ mentions a synagogue of Satan. It is not as clear as to this reference in Philadelphia as it was for Smyrna. Perhaps this is in reference to the many pagan temples. The church in Philadelphia receives no condemnation from the Lord, but they are commended for what they have done. They are encouraged to hold fast to their crown, so that no one will take it. They are further encouraged with the knowledge that they will be spared from further trial and persecution, which Rome was bringing upon the whole world. The one who overcomes would be a pillar in the temple of God. This seems to be in reference to the frequent earthquakes (a pillar is a strong support), and a contrast to the many pagan temples that they have resisted in order to be in the temple of God.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/