Philadelphia

Philadelphia was a city in the region of Lydia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and was one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 1:11; 3:7). In the letter to the church in Philadelphia, the risen Christ commends the believers for their faithfulness, despite their limited strength (Rev. 3:8). He acknowledges that they have kept His word and have not denied His name (Rev. 3:8). Christ also mentions that He has placed before them an open door that no one can shut (Rev. 3:8), possibly referring to opportunities for spreading the gospel. The church in Philadelphia is promised protection from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world (Rev. 3:10) and is encouraged to hold fast to what they have, so that no one may take their crown (Rev. 3:11). The faithful in Philadelphia are assured that Christ will make them a pillar in the temple of God, and they will bear the name of God, the New Jerusalem, and Christ's new name (Rev. 3:12).