Philadelphia (Alaşehir)
Under Roman rule, Philadelphia thrived. Modern-day Alasehir ("God’s City") is a titular see of the Roman Catholic Church. Artefacts are throughout, primarily The Church of St John AKA St Jean Church or Basilica of St John.
Its hostile Jewish community persecuted them, the sixth of the seven churches of Revelation. Christ praises Philadelphia's faithful perseverance despite weakness (Rev. 3:8) and condemns its persecutors (Revelation 3:9). He promises if they remain faithful He'll protect them from "the hour of trial" and make them pillars in God’s heavenly temple (Revelation 3:10-12).
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Bible:
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Travel:
- Turkey & Greece 2019
- Tue 3/5
- 11:45 — Depart Sardis for Philadelphia
- 12:00 — Lunch
- 3:00 — Tour Philadelphia (Alaşehir)
- On site textual lesson Reading: Rev. 3:7-13
- 4:30 — Depart Philadelphia for Pamukkale
- Tue 3/5
- Turkey & Greece 2019
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Resources:
Background
BLP: Then, we continue our journey to Philadelphia, today called Alasehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia Rev. 1:11; 3:7, and the only church not rebuked by Jesus. There we will see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a bit of high arch and some 11th century frescoes.
Wikipedia: Founded in antiquity as Philadelphia, “the city of him who loves his brother” the town was known as such until it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1390. It was established in 189 by King Eumenes II of Pergamon (197-160 BC). City was named by Eumenes II for his brother who would succeeded him, Attalus II (159-138 BC). Lacking an heir, Attallus bequeathed his kingdom of Pergamum, including Philadelphia, to his Roman allies when he died. Rome established the province of Asia in 129 BC by combining Ionia and the former Kingdom of Pergamum.
In AD 17, the city suffered badly in an earthquake. Roman Emperor Tiberius relieved it of having to pay taxes.
Philadelphia shares with Smyrna the distinction of receiving nothing but praise from Christ.
More to come...
