The church that has been named after St John in ancient Philadelphia (modern Alaşehir) was an important Byzantine building. It was rectangular in shape and built with six large pillars. These pillars were made from reused stone materials taken from earlier structures. This practice was common in late Roman and Byzantine times. The upper parts of the building were constructed with brick.
Today, only three of the original pillars are still clearly visible. A fourth pillar is partly buried in the soil. The westernmost pillars are hidden beneath modern buildings, which makes it difficult for archaeologists to fully study the structure. On some of the surviving pillars, very faint wall paintings from the eleventh century can still be seen. Although they are badly damaged, these paintings show that the church continued to be used and decorated during the Byzantine period Ancient Philadelphia (Alaşehir).
The church is traditionally connected with St John because Philadelphia was one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the New Testament. These churches were important early Christian communities in western Anatolia.
The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia is mentioned in the Book of Revelation in the Bible. In Revelation 3:7–13, a message is sent “to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.” In this message, Jesus is described as “the holy one” and “the true one,” who holds the key of David. It says that what he opens no one can close, and what he closes no one can open.
The message praises the Christian community of Philadelphia. It says that although they have little strength, they have remained faithful. They have kept Christ’s word and have not denied his name. Because of their faithfulness, they are promised protection during a future time of trial that will come upon the world.
The believers are encouraged to remain strong and to “hold fast” to what they have, so that no one may take their crown. The message also promises that the one who is victorious will become like a pillar in the temple of God and will never leave it again. On this faithful person will be written the name of God and the name of the new Jerusalem City Tour Istanbul.
The Meaning of the “Key of David”
At the beginning of the letter, Jesus is described as holding the “key of David.” This image comes from the Old Testament, especially from the Book of Isaiah (22:22). In that passage, God says:
“I will place the key of the House of David on his shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, and when he shuts, no one shall open.”
The key of David symbolizes authority and power. It represents control over access to the holy city, Jerusalem, and over God’s kingdom. In the message to Philadelphia, this image shows that Christ has full authority and control.
A Faithful Church
Among the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in Revelation, only two churches receive no criticism: Smyrna and Philadelphia. The church in Philadelphia is praised for its loyalty and endurance. Nothing negative is said about it.
The ruins of the Church of St John in Philadelphia stand today as a reminder of this faithful Christian community. Although much of the structure has been lost or covered by modern buildings, the surviving pillars still show the strength of the church, both physically and spiritually. The biblical message connected to Philadelphia continues to make the city an important place in Christian history.
