Philadelphia was founded by the Pergamene king Attalus II (159-138 BC), which is the newest of the Seven Churches’ cities. When the Romans attempted to turn Attalus against his brother Eumenes II, he remained loyal, thereby earning the nickname “Philadelphus” (Polybus 30:1-3; 31.1; 32.1). The name of the city reflects the love between these brothers. Philadephia was strategically situated along the imperial post road that ran from Rome through Troas, Pergamum, and Sardis through to Tarsus and the east. Another road running eastward was an “open door” to Phrygia (Revelation 3:8).

Philadelphia Ammia und Quadratus waren christliche Propheten, die während der Herrschaft Hadrians in Philadelphia dienten.Die Montanist-Bewegung, die Ende 2C begann, hatte ihre Ursprünge 10 km östlich von Philadelphia bei Ardabav. Mit seinen beiden Propheten Prisca und Maximilla lehrte Montanus, dass Paraclete (Heiliger Geist) kurz vor dem zweiten Kommen kommen würde.