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).

Filadelfia Ammia y Quadratus fueron profetas cristianos que ministran en Filadelfia durante el reinado de Adriano.El movimiento montanista, que comenzó a finales del 2C, tuvo sus orígenes a 10 km al este de Filadelfia en Ardabav. Con sus dos profetas Prisca y Maximilla, Montanus enseñó que Paraclete (el Espíritu Santo) vendría justo antes del segundo advenimiento.