The Historical Fate Of The Seven Churches In The Book Of Revelation

Philadelphia was located somewhere between 20 to 80 miles southeast of Sardis on the Cogamis River. It was established in 189 BC by King Eumenes II who named the city for the love of his brother, who would be his successor, Attalus II (159–138 BC), and whose loyalty earned him the nickname, "Philadelphos." It was known for its variety of pagan temples and worship centers.

The city was nearly destroyed when the same earthquake that destroyed Sardis in AD 17, hit the area. Emperor Tiberius, in lieu of the damages, allowed Philadelphia to be free of taxation. Various other emperors aided the area, such as Caligula (ruled AD 37 to 41), Vespasian (ruled AD 69 to 79), and Caracalla (ruled AD 188 to 217).

The people who made up the church were very poor and heavily taxed for public purposes. They mostly lived on the outskirts of the city. It remained a prosperous city until the eleventh Century, when it was captured by an invading Army and then retaken by Eastern Roman Emperor Alexius I. It continued as a prize among the warring forces until finally overtaken in AD 1338. There is no trace of the ancient city of Philadelphia today. The modern city of Alasehir stands on top of the site.

Laodicea

14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. 15 " 'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'" (Revelation 3:14-22 ESV)

Laodicea was located around 50 miles southeast of Philadelphia in the Lycus River Valley of western Asia Minor, near the influential, ancient cities of Hierapolis and Colossae. Before the city was named Laodicea, it was called "Diopolis," the "city of Zeus." It was a place of considerable size, trade, and wealth with theaters and pagan temples. It was on the primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East and became a commercial and banking center. It was known for eye and ear medicine and for its black wool. Laodicea was known as a primary hub for the Roman aqueduct system. The water was tepid and unpleasant, but nearby Hierapolis gushed hot thermal springs.