Lexical Summary Philadelpheia: Philadelphia Original Word: Φιλαδέλφεια Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Philadelphia. From Philadelphos (the same as philadelphos), a king of Pergamos; Philadelphia, a place in Asia Minor -- Philadelphia. see GREEK philadelphos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom philadelphos Definition Philadelphia, a city of Lydia NASB Translation Philadelphia (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5359: ΦιλαδέλφειαΦιλαδέλφεια (T WH Φιλαδέλφεια (cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 87), see Iota), Φιλαδελφειας, ἡ, Philadelphia (now Alahshar, Allahshir (or Ala-Shehr i. e. The White City (Sayce))), a city of Lydia in Asia Minor, situated near the eastern base of Mount Tmolus, founded and named by the Pergamene king Attalus II. Philadelphus. After the death of king Attalus III. Philometor, Topical Lexicon Historical SettingLocated on the fertile slopes of the Tmolus Mountains in ancient Lydia (modern Alaşehir, Turkey), Philadelphia was established during the second century BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamum. The city took its name from his loyal brother Attalus II, whose epithet “Philadelphus” (“lover of a brother”) reflected the devotion that bound the brothers and hinted at the city’s ethos of loyalty. Strategically positioned on the main imperial road that linked Asia Minor’s interior to the Aegean coast, Philadelphia was both a commercial hub and a gateway for Greco-Roman culture into Phrygia. Volcanic soil ensured prosperous vineyards, yet the same geology fostered seismic instability; recurrent earthquakes—especially the devastating quake of AD 17—shaped local life and fostered dependence on imperial benefaction (notably the tax relief granted by Emperor Tiberius). Biblical Occurrences The Greek form Φιλαδέλφεια/Φιλαδελφείᾳ appears twice in the New Testament, both in the prologue and letters of Revelation (Revelation 1:11; 3:7). Within the canonical narrative, Philadelphia is the sixth of the seven Asian churches addressed by the risen Christ through the Apostle John. The city’s name serves as both geographical marker and theological backdrop, since the Lord commends the church for demonstrating the very “brotherly affection” its name suggests. Christ’s Message to Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) 1. Christ’s Self-Revelation “He who is holy and true, who holds the key of David” (Revelation 3:7) identifies Jesus as both the Messianic heir and the sovereign who controls access to the Kingdom. The “key of David” recalls Isaiah 22:22, underscoring Christ’s authority to admit or exclude. 2. Commendation without Rebuke “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut” (Revelation 3:8). Unlike most of the other six churches, Philadelphia receives no censure. Though possessing “little strength,” it has kept Christ’s word and not denied His name, demonstrating steadfast obedience amid social marginalization, possibly at the hands of hostile synagogue authorities (Revelation 3:9). 3. Promises to the Overcomer • An irrevocable “open door” (mission opportunity and future entrance into the eternal Kingdom). Theological Themes • Faithfulness Over Size Spiritual vitality, not numerical strength or cultural influence, is the criterion by which Christ evaluates His church (compare Luke 12:32). • Open Door for the Gospel The metaphor occurs elsewhere (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3) and highlights God-given opportunities for witness that no human power can thwart. • Perseverance and Protection Philadelphia’s promise of being “kept from the hour of testing” contributes to eschatological discussions on divine preservation during tribulation, affirming that God’s sovereignty extends over global trials. • Temple Imagery and Eternal Security The believer as an immovable pillar connects priestly service with enduring stability (Psalm 27:4-6; Revelation 21:22). The city once shaken by earthquakes becomes a picture of unshakeable permanence in the new creation. Ministry Implications 1. Encouragement for Small or Persecuted Congregations Churches with limited resources can draw courage from Philadelphia’s commendation, trusting that Christ notices faithfulness and opens doors independent of worldly metrics. 2. Mission-Minded Outlook The “open door” calls believers to look for divinely orchestrated opportunities, whether local or global, and to engage them with confidence that the Lord Himself secures the outcome. 3. Call to Persevere “Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (Revelation 3:11) exhorts Christians to remain steadfast in doctrine and practice, guarding against spiritual complacency. 4. Assurance of Ultimate Vindication In contexts of slander or exclusion, the church trusts Christ to reveal the truth and manifest His love for His people, anticipating the eschatological reversal promised in passages such as Matthew 19:28 and Romans 8:18. After New Testament Times Early church writers, including Ignatius of Antioch, mention communities in the Lycus River valley but do not provide explicit details about Philadelphia’s later development. Archaeological remains—Byzantine basilicas, inscriptions, and a substantial acropolis—testify to a persistent Christian presence. Ottoman conquest and subsequent Islamic influence shifted demographics, yet a Christian minority continued into modern times, underscoring the endurance implicit in the Lord’s promise. Summary Strong’s Greek 5359 designates the historical city of Philadelphia, whose church stands as a biblical model of steadfast, missional, and obedient discipleship. Christ’s unalloyed praise, coupled with profound promises, offers perennial hope to believers who, though seemingly weak, rely on His sovereign authority and cherish the “open door” set before them. Forms and Transliterations Φιλαδελφείᾳ Φιλαδέλφειαν Φιλαδελφια Φιλαδελφίᾳ Φιλαδελφιαν Φιλαδελφίαν Philadelpheia Philadelpheíāi Philadelpheian PhiladélpheianLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 1:11 N-AFSGRK: καὶ εἰς Φιλαδέλφειαν καὶ εἰς NAS: and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea. KJV: and unto Philadelphia, and unto INT: and to Philadelphia and to Revelation 3:7 N-DFS Strong's Greek 5359 |
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