Bible Matrix ⑦_224_REV 3:7~13 – The Church in Philadelphia at AD 27~100

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Bible Matrix ⑦_224_REV 3:7~13 – The background, history and meaning of the church in Philadelphia that existed at AD 27~100

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq2APfpSm8Q

Bible Matrix ⑦: Historical & Scientific Views on Daniel and Revelation

Part 2. Revelation

Revelation 3:7~13 - To the Church in Philadelphia - A faithful church of little power, Receiving Only Praise from Jesus

Revelation 3:7~13 – The background, history and meaning of the church in Philadelphia that existed at AD 27~100

○ The History of Philadelphia (I) - After the death of Alexander III(reigned 336~BC 323) of the Greek Empire (BC 514~BC 146 or BC 30), General Lysimachus, one of four Generals, built the Attalid Dynasty (BC 282~BC 129), that is, the Kingdom of Pergamon in Pergamon which was the capital of Anatolia (Asia Minor), now Turkey. Eumenes II(reigned BC 197~BC 159) of the Attalid Dynasty built Philadelphia in BC 189.

○ The Meaning of Philadelphia - Eumenes II's younger brother and successor was Attalus II(reigned, BC 159~BC 138), who loved his brother so much that he earned the nickname, so called 'Philadelphos' from the citizens, meaning 'one who loves his brother’. Eumenes II named 'the city of him who loves his brother’ as Philadelphia after his brother's nickname. Therefore, Philadelphia means 'brotherly love’, and spreading the gospel globally means conveying 'brotherly love' globally.

○ The History of Philadelphia (II) - The city of Philadelphia, also known as Alasehir, which means 'City of God’, was destroyed and devastated due to great earthquakes occurred in AD 17 and AD 23 during the reign of Emperor Tiberius (Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus, reigned AD 15~37), the second Emperor of the Imperial Roman Empire(BC 27~AD 394). At this time, Emperor Tiberius reduced taxes in Philadelphia, so the citizens of Philadelphia granted honors to the Emperor Tiberius and built several temples to serve the Emperor. Later, in the 6th century, it was called 'little Athens' because of its festivals and temples and was one of the prosperous Byzantine cities of Eastern Roman Empire(AD 395~1,453).

○ Three stone pillars of the Church of John the Apostle - However, due to frequent earthquakes, no ancient relics remain in the city. Also, since the village is already there, excavation is impossible. However, a Christian relic remains in a destroyed state, one Church of John the Apostle, which is believed to have been built around AD 600 during the era of Byzantine (Eastern Roman Empire, Byzantium, AD 395~1453), and three 15-meter-high massive stone pillars remain, which indicates the size of the Church was great at that time. This is also the historical background of ‘a pillar in the temple’ in <Revelation> 3:12. Now, a mosque is built in front of the Church site.

○ The church of Philadelphia - It is not known exactly when the church of Philadelphia was built, but the church area was an active volcanic area with many earthquakes, so all the citizens of Philadelphia evacuated or moved to safe places, and only the weak remained, but they were Christians of the Philadelphia who kept the fertile soil filled with the faith of Jesus in their hearts.

☞ Moreover, because there was the organized and strong synagogue of Satan, they severely persecuted the church of Philadelphia. And its congregation was very small, and they had little abilities and strength, few pastors or bishops to guide them. And they were poor, but they did not become discouraged, made religious life their everything and maintained their faith in Jesus Christ with patience.

☞ As a result, they received so great graces that were perfect and lacked nothing, received crowns, and received greater promises from Jesus Christ. [Reference - Korean Expository Preaching Institute - Philadelphia Church and the Secret of Patience (Revelation 3:7-13)].