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).

Filadelfi Ayet-i kerimede 1-3. Ayet-i kerimede bahsedilen yedi kilise arasında altıncı olan Ammia ve Quadratus, Hadrian'ın hükümdarlığı sırasında Filadelfia'da hizmet eden Hıristiyan peygamberlerdi. 2C. yılının sonlarında başlayan Montanist hareket, Filadelfia'dan 10 km. doğuda Ardabav'da doğdu. İki peygamberiyle Prisca ve Maximilla ile Montanus, Paraclete (Kutsal Ruh) ikinci gelmeden hemen önce geleceğini öğretti.