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 och Quadratus var kristna profeter som tjänade i Philadelphia under Hadrians regeringstid. Den montanistiska rörelsen, som började i slutet av 2C, hade sina ursprung 10 km öster om Philadelphia vid Ardabav. Med sina två profeter Prisca och Maximilla, Montanus lärde att Paraclete (Helig Ande) skulle komma strax före den andra ankomsten.