church of philadelphia revelation location

We know it's not because we're so great and we're so strong and we're so mighty, because right after this, what does He say? [24], This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:Herbermann, Charles, ed. That's part of the message to Philadelphia don't get self-confident, keep going, keep persevering, hold fast. [18], Augustine of Hippo's reason for interpreting angels of the churches as the prelates of the church is that St. John speaks of them as falling from their first charity, which is not true of the angels. Then, in about A.D. 96, John, in the book of Revelation, assured those in the church that they were, indeed, the heirs to salvation (Revelation 3:7-13). Romans 2, let's see how Romans 2:28 fits in. A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (1919), P248, Catholic Encyclopedia: Angels of the Churches, The True Trend Of the Church As Viewed Through Revelation Chapters 2 & 3, Seven Churches -Thoughts on the seven angels of Revelation, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seven_churches_of_Asia&oldid=1148696331, This page was last edited on 7 April 2023, at 18:54. Catholic Encyclopedia. Today I hold a nationwide tour guide license which gives me the chance to lead tours not just to Ephesus but to attractions all around Turkey. Known as the church of brotherly love that endured patiently, (Rev. The city of Ephesus was the most important of the seven churches in Asia. Who is he building this for? What is this open door that is before this church in Philadelphia? We carry His name. (1913). John wrote that Christ is the One "who holds the key of David. So, what is He getting at when we think of it in those terms? He alone holds the key to Gods presence and has opened the door to his kingdom and the churchs salvation. When someone writes their name on something, would you write your name on things that belong to you? And keys in ancient times were no different that keys today. Go back to Revelation 3, "They say they're true Christians, maybe even outwardly they might appear that way, but they lie." Thirdly, "they haven't denied My name. Well, we can try to turn to all kinds of other passages in the Bible that refer to the key of David, but guess what? What were the characteristics of the church of Philadelphia? Sometimes not only the name, sometimes the pillars would be actually carved with the image of that particular person, which is pretty interesting. This is no longer a stranger or a pilgrim, now we are set. Ancient pillars had the names of people they honored inscribed on them. But why would a little strength in the description of the Philadelphia church, why would that be a good thing? What if I'm not standing strong? Although the letters differ in length in accord with the needs of each community, all conclude with an appeal to hold fast and to listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. So it can mean okay, you won't have to undergo it, it means, I've avoided it altogether but keep can also take on the meaning to keep you through it, to keep you through it. It describes that very thing, that there is this open door before the church in Philadelphia but it's not also just relegated to those things as well. This story in Isaiah serves as a prophecy of the Davidic Messiah. Let's notice it in verse 10, He says, "Because you've kept My command to persevere, and He's going to bring these people to come and worship before them, why? Looking to God's Word. Christ's words are very important. Revelation here underscores the notion that the Jews are no longer the people of God as a national or ethnic entity, since they have rejected their Messiah (Matthew 21:33-43, especially verse 43). There's not negative things that are said here. It is accepted that the Philadelphia (Alaehir today) church was founded by Attalos the Second, the king of Pergamon Kingdom (Bergama today). Where Is The Church Of Philadelphia In Revelation Located? (Correct So, let's live like Philadelphians. The door to the synagogue may be closed to the Christian; the door to Christs heavenly kingdom is wide open. Where was the Biblical Church of Philadelphia? The Jews of Philadelphia who were persecuting and intimidating the Christians are called a synagogue of Satan (3:9), as they were identified in the letter to the church in Smyrna (2:9). Verse 16, what does God say to him? If you read some of the backgrounds to those responsibilities of the steward, one of the things that's seen in the outfits that they wore, that there actually was a key that was embroidered on their garment. There is great example of that in Isaiah 60, I might look that up later. The featured map on this page shows the location of Philadelphia as compared to the other Churches of Revelation and the Island of Patmos, from where John wrote the Book of Revelation. Licensed Tour Guide in Turkey 2023. The Christians at Philadelphia would have been greatly encouraged when Christ identified himself as the true Messiah, and as one who controls access to the eternal kingdom. Each church is promised that everyone who conquers will be rewarded by Christ. Are there any doors that God has opened for you? Of course that door is open to us. And so, there is a door before the Philadelphia church, an open door that no one can shut, an open door to everyone, to everyone. First, the believer will have Gods name. And so, that's the name Philadelphia, to love your brother. This door is open so that he could preach, and he could teach, and he could bring the gospel to Europe. And verse 20, it says, Then it shall be in that day, I'll call my servant Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah. It says, "I will clothe him in your robe and strengthen him in your belt. Among its congregations was one of the Seven Churches of Asia, which were listed in the Book of Revelations. You can see how it came down through Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open (verse 7). Every one of them is located in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. We'd better be doing those things, we'd better be keeping those things, we'd better be persevering and showing our self to be true Christians, to be truly dedicated to Jesus Christ and God the Father. A simple definition of the angel of the church in Pergamum is the bishop/pastor/elder of that particular church. Apparently, there was no suitable expression to introduce an important point for the Philadelphians. I think to how Christ is describing these individuals. So a key unlocks something. In one place Isaiah said gentile nations would do homage to Israel at the start of the kingdom. (Solved). A new name, maybe recognizing this secure relationship that we have with Him, a fuller relationship, a symbolism of eternal relationship, the fullness of His character, His new name written on us as well. Philadelphia was given this name by the citys founder, William Penn, who had envisioned a city of religious tolerance in which no one would be persecuted. It's also interesting as we go on a little bit further in verse 8, this open door, preaching the gospel, open door to all that God would call, open door to the Kingdom of God when Christ opens that door, He says, "No one can shut it. We'll talk about Laodicea in our next Bible study, so we hope to see you then. It was named as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. The local Jewish community of Philadelphia may claim that the kingdom belongs to the Jewish community. It seems that this hour of trial ties in with the description that Christ is giving in Matthew 24, "An hour of trial that will come over the whole earth, to test those who dwell on the earth." You see, it seems to point to the fact that if I'm hanging onto it, if I'm doing the things that Im supposed to be doing, if I'm close in my relationship to God, that crown isn't going anywhere. He said, "I've set before you an open door, no one can shut it." With Philadelphia, the sixth church (Revelation 3:11), you will find mention of the Holy City or New Jerusalem, the faithful church. A key opens things, it opens a lock. We know that Christ also talked about that in Matthew 10:32, where He said, "Who confesses Me before men, I will confess before My Father who is in Heaven." Here, we have the same thing, beginning in verse 1, "These things say He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands." And in that sense, this key of David implies this kind of a scenario where Shebna is replaced by a godly individual, it seems, Eliakim. Alasehir is a modern town in the Turkish province of Alasehir. They will recognize that the church is composed of the true people of God, rather than the Jews as a nation. And so, we see this righteous government, is what's described by this key of David, the key of David that opens and no one can shut. The greatest example of an ancient City of Brotherly Love was a town in Lydia, a kingdom in western Asia Minor that was known as the City of Brotherly Love. This village was located east of ancient Ionia in modern Turkey, near Mount Tmolus, and by the Cogamus River. So he shall open and no one will shut. In present-day Turkey, all of them are located in Asia Minor. Second trait that was listed there. We must do the work and through that open door that He's given. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. Second trait that's listed here for the Philadelphia church, they have a little strength, a littlein fact that strength word is the word where we get our word dynamite from, we have a little dunamis, we have a little bit of power, we have a little bit of strength. Now, if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Can you gain access to Jesus Christ without God's Holy Spirit? That's what He said, to keep it up. I don't know that it's limited to that, because it seems that it also involves not only an open door for preaching and teaching, that's certainly an aspect, but also on a personal level that we can grow in our understanding. Saint John Church, built in the name of Saint John the Evangelist is one of the 7 churches belonging to the first ages of Christianity. Paul used a similar metaphor in this manner (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). which refers to the wreath of victory awarded to winners of athletic contests. What the Jews hoped to gain from the gentiles, they themselves must render to the Christians. The Seven Churches of the Apocalypse was the moniker given to these group of buildings. Enjoy my website and contact me to hire a tour guide for a tailored travel experience in Turkey. The prophet Isaiah said the Lord would replace Shebna with a man named Eliakim. So we're going to be wrapping up this series in two weeks, so we hope you'll join us for that last study as well. The key of David has to tie in to government because of the way that the steward was connected to the king, which was connected to the way the whole kingdom ran. We see that this open door was a door open to what? The colorful painting of a group performing a ritual in front of the Virgin Mary on the pier wall falling to the east is also difficult to distinguish due to irritations. That belongs to you. So there was also this open door for the preaching of the Word. There's another example in Acts 14 that ties in, if we interpret the Bible, Acts 14:27 describes another open door. If you turn over there, 2 Corinthians 12, we have the example of the apostle Paul. You can't help but think of those different passages throughout the Bible that He is holy and we are called to holiness as well. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my . In the year 60 A.D., the city was devastated by a massive earthquake. Answer Revelation 3:7-13 records Christ's message to the sixth of the seven churches addressed in Revelation 2-3. See, I have set before you an open door, and . And maybe the third aspect of this particular letter is to remain faithful, and keep the faith, keep the faith. Something that would come upon the whole world, there is your key phrase there, what is the whole world that is going to be under this trial? It is presently located in the vicinity of the contemporary Turkish city of Denizli. Required fields are marked *. United Church of Godis a501(c)3organization. It is situated in the valley of the Kuzuay ( Cogamus in antiquity), at the foot of the Bozda Mountain ( Mount Tmolus in antiquity). Thyateira (also spelled Thyatira) was founded by the Greeks in the fifth century BC (white castle). Here it talks about a little prophetic thing, we're going to jump over some of those kinds of thoughts right here in 2 Thessalonians 2:9. The city of Philadelphia appears in the Book of Revelation. Haven't we prophesied in Your name? The position of Philadelphia in relation to the other Churches of Revelation as well as the Island of Patmos, from whence John penned the Book of Revelation, is depicted on the featured map on this page. The imagery of Isaiah bears a striking similarity to Revelation 3:9. But a key's going to openand in fact, think of it this way as well. (TOP 5 Tips). For what is this hour of trial that is going to come up on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the Earth.. And it really wasn't much different in ancient times. Going on in verse 8, "They had a little strength, they kept My Word." It seems to tie in very well with what's described as the great tribulation. This period of worldwide ordeal is a main theme of Revelation. He also says, the middle of verse 10, "I will also keep you from the hour of trial, I will keep you, I will keep you," which is also an interesting aspect of what God says He's going to do. Thyateira (also spelled Thyatira) was the name of an ancient Greek city in Asia Minor, which is now known as the contemporary Turkish city of Akhisar. Where is Philadelphia in the Book of Revelation? It seemed that the majority of believers in the church had grown spiritually complacent; they appeared to have become spiritually weak as a result. In the Roman Period, Philadelphia was called "Little Athens" due to the abundance of temples and festivals held in the city. What Are The Bad Parts Of Philadelphia? [citation needed] So the original readers of Revelation might have assumed that the angels here are the guardian angels of the individual churches, sharing responsibility for the actions of the members. (TOP 5 Tips). Your email address will not be published. So, if you think about that, in terms of Revelation 3, well, no wonder a lack of strength, or just a little strength is considered a good characteristic, because evidently, the Philadelphia church is reliant on the strength of God, and that's a very good thing. But that's not the only meaning for this kingdom, the key of David, can't be, it can't be. He is coming quickly, hold fast He says, hold fast to all these wonderful traits that these, in the Philadelphia frame of mind, have. But is there anywhere in Scripture maybe that gives us maybe a little bit better concept of what maybe the important aspect of this little bit of strength might be referring to, and why that would be a good thing? He'll make of them a pillar in the temple of My God, kind of ties back to ancient Philadelphia, subject to earthquakes, and buildings often fell because of the earthquake that they suffered. I. The term angel refers to a messenger, as in the one who will deliver this message to that particular church. Over in Romans 8, if you turn over to Romans chapter 8, I think it gives us a little bit of direction about this key to help frame exactly what Christ is referring to as we put all of these various factors together. As he was on his journey preaching, teaching, he describes it here to the Corinthians, as he says, of 2 Corinthians 2:12, he says, "Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel," and he says, "a door was opened to me by the Lord. And he said, I had no rest in my spirit because I didn't find Titus, my brother, but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia." The book of Revelation has a different purpose that of providing much-needed encouragement and comfort during trying circumstances. Is our heart and our mind set on earthly things, or is our citizenship somewhere else? The 5-meter high fresco apostle portraits of the piers are difficult to see due to irritations caused by time and forces of nature. And of course, the tie-in cant be denied as well, when you think about access, you think about the way that it ties in to the authority. John the Elder, as the author was called, was most likely an Ephesian Christian named John. As a result, the Christians were applauded for their dedication, tenacity, and growth in good works in this working-class community. 1. We know that's going to happen at Christs return. If we love the truth, we are hanging onto that crown, we're not giving it up. He says, "For them, there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor shall ever be unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved." Where Can You Buy Philadelphia Soft Pretzels And Have Them Shipped? Especially in ancient times, kneeling down before someonewell, even today, showing honor, showing respect, a symbol of recognizing their authority as well. We belong in the New Jerusalem. He loved his brother and became known as that. And so, this connection seems to have some importance when you think about this key of David. If you'd like to stand and we'll bow our heads, and ask God's blessing. Well, it reminds us that we'd better be living like that. They live lifestyles of unbridled pleasure and hedonistic excess. [7] In all seven cases the admonition is included, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches",[8] although sometimes this comes before the promise and sometimes after. Perseverance is part of our calling, it's part of our calling, isn't it? Every one of them is located in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. Good to have you here with us, right here in the room, in Cincinnati. And so, that's an important contrast that He makes, as He emphasizes the importance of what our focus really is. Gods inspired words to thecongregation at Philadelphia are an uplifting message of hope and encouragement. So He says, "Hang on to that, so no one takes it from you." While the church will suffer persecution, it will not be destroyed. The cornice from a building in ancient Philadelphia (photo by Joel Meeker). It's interesting how He ties that in to these amazing characteristics of these people that He's referring to here in verse 9. The steward would have given access to the king. Well Jesus Christ is writing that letter. The Church of God, we believe, is the body of believers who are being led by the Holy Spirit; we believe the true Church of God is not a denomination; we believe that the inspired name for this spiritual organism is the Church of God (Acts 20:28); we believe the Churchs mission today is to preach to the world about the coming Kingdom of God; and we believe that the true Church of God does not have a denomination. And of course, He describes that hour of trial, maybe we should go there. So let's go back to Isaiah for just a moment, to get a little bit more information about this concept of the key of David. Notice who is doing the writing. Shebna it says, in verse 15, is over the house, he organizes all these things. They were called apostate Jews by their own relatives. If you take something is a key or this is a key principle, or a key concept, what comes to mind when you think about it, in those terms, this is a key. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help), This article is about the seven churches mentioned in the, 2:45, 10, 1416, 2025; 3:23, 911, 1820, Scofield, W. I., The Scofield Study Bible (New York: Oxford University Press, 1996) p1331, Christianity in Anatolia during Roman times, List of Mesopotamian deities#Seven planetary deities, Summary of Christian eschatological differences, "Letter 84: The Last Words of the Virgin", Clarance Larkin The Book of Revelation Illustrated . And so, there seems to be a two-fold aspect to this open door of preaching the gospel, not only collectively as the Church, but also on an individual basis, the gospel is preached and impacts people's lives. New York: Robert Appleton Company. He just kept on saying, "He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens," seems to be pointing to his Kingdom but then there's this other door He says, "I've set before you an open door, no one can shut it." There is even a story of Michael, the guardian angel of Israel, being rebuked by God for the sins committed in the time of Ezekiel. You see, we could give up, we could let down. Isaiah had pictured the victory of Israel over its enemies (60:14). This basilica type church, which was built in the 6th century, underwent several repairs through time. That is also referring to Jesus Christ. Now, why would it describe Christ in that manner? Lydian is most likely the given name. And maybe as we're turning over to Isaiah 2, I could pose a dumb question for the moment, dumb question of the evening, "What does the key do?". It's the only way to unlock the door to the Kingdom of God. John wrote that Christ is the One who holds the key of David. And of course, in ancient time, pillars were often time dedicated to important people, to the magistrates, to the rulers, to the governing authorities, and it would actually have their name on the pillars. But Epiphanius[17] explicitly rejects this view, and, in accordance with the imagery of the passage, explains it as the bishops. We desirethe other thing Hebrews talks about, we desire, a heavenly city, a different country. Chapters 23 of the Revelation have specific messages for each of the seven angels of the seven churches. But I think He uses that term for a very specific reason, because it draws a difference between a Philadelphian and just anybody else that lives in the world because it's going to test those who dwell on the earth. Seven churches of Asia - Wikipedia The name derives from the name of a city in Asia Minor that is recorded in the book of Revelation in the New Testament. The end of that letter then, and verse 13 says "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." It's a foundational characteristic of God that He has to be truth. Our thoughts, our hearts, our minds shouldn't be focused on earthly things. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. It seems to point to the fact the fullness of God. Also talks about the city, God's city name, is written on us. Here are these individuals who are claiming to be spiritual, they're claiming to be a part of the truth, they're claiming to be righteous individuals, but they belong to the wrong church. Of course, we also recognize that there was some connection in, especially in Eliakim's case, to the king himself, to the rulership, to what you could call the scepter as well. William Still (18211902), the renowned abolitionist known as the Angel of Philadelphia, worked tirelessly from his Philadelphia home, organizing transportation, transmitting information, and raising finances to aid enslaved persons in their attempts to elude capture and emigration. That would do it for our study for this evening. No one can shut it." You see, I think that's what He's referring to here, to test those who dwell on the earth. And so as you consider that, they're claiming to be spiritual Jews, "They say they're Jews, but in reality, they are not." Read Revelation 3:7-13. Thyateira (also spelled Thyatira) was the name of an ancient Greek city in Asia Minor, which is now known as the contemporary Turkish city of Akhisar. God's strength was made perfect in weakness. The Holy One is a common Old Testament title for God (Isaiah 40:25; 43:15). Where is the church of Smyrna located today? It was founded by one of the rulers I guess you could say, someone who was in charge, his name was Attalus, Attalus. Himself, himself. That's an important aspect of this letter to Philadelphia. But what did Christ say to them? So here we're flashing forward in time to a time when those who claim to be true are shown to be false. It's talking about not the outer court, but we're talking about the Holy Place, which will be include the Holy of Holies as well. It was the first settlement in the region. So in Isaiah 22, look at verse 15. It is located in the extreme western part of Turkey, south of Istanbul, and almost exactly in the middle of the countrys eastern border with Greece. This is talking about a steward who worked for the king. The steward was the one that basically, well, what would we call it today, maybe he's like the press secretary? The Oldest Settlement Nearby Ephesus Turkey, An Amazing New Book About Ephesus by Finlay McQuade, 6th International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival, 6th of May And Ancient Artemis Ephesia Festival, 12 Frequently Asked Questions About Ephesus, 12 Questions and 12 Answers About Ephesus, Hire Professional Licensed Turkish Tour Guide for Ephesus Tour, Laodicea Ancient City and the Laodicean Church in the Revelation. Where is Philadelphia in the Book of Revelation? This would have been a meaningful word to the church in Philadelphia, as the city was famous for its athletic games. What else could this point to? And so, no wonder with the way that this is described here, this seems to have this meaning that not only applies to ancient Philadelphia, but more specifically, to the time of the end because it seems its describing those times that are getting closer and closer. And obviously, as we look at this, we see that, what else could it point to? He is also true in the sense that he is faithful and trustworthy. Steve is the Operation Manager for the Ministerial and Member Services department ofthe United Church of God. The faith of individual believers determines the strength of their churches. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Jesus' message to this church was to hang on in there. Every one of them is located in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. There will be Philadelphians from our Church of God groups also. The first one here is "a little strength." Why are they perishing? He says He's going to keep them, keep them from the hour of trial. When you go over Hebrews 11, where it says, "We're not supposed to be those who dwell on the earth. Which part of Ephesus do you want to visit? And so, here we have that representation for Eliakim and also that connection to Christ in Revelation, chapter 3, where Christ is giving access, the access, in a sense, to the kingdom, the access, in a sense that this key was also given, it's the key of who? Ancient Sardis is located in Manisa Province in western Turkey, close to the present town of Sart, and is considered to be the birthplace of the Greeks. And so, as we consider this letter to Philadelphia, it's an encouraging letter, it's fantastic. So when he opened something, people could have access.
Does Hhc Get You High, Icu Database Login Ritenour School District, Articles C