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 dan Quadratus adalah nabi Kristen yang melayani di Philadelphia selama pemerintahan Hadrian. gerakan Montanist, yang dimulai pada akhir 2C, memiliki asal-usulnya 10 km timur Philadelphia di Ardabav. Dengan dua nabi-nabi-Nya Prisca dan Maximilla, Montanus mengajarkan bahwa Paraclete (Roh Kudus) akan datang tepat sebelum kedatangan kedua.