BACKGROUND
Founded by king Eumenes II some two hundred to two hundred and fifty years before Jesus’ appraisal, the city of Philadelphia was the youngest of the seven cities in the Revelation. The city was named after Eumenes’ brother, Attalus Philadelphus, in no small part because of the loyal love which his younger brother showed. Twice, Attalus had the opportunity to take the birth-right of his elder brother. The first came when the rumor spread that Eumenes had died (probably while off on a kingdom expanding campaign). Naturally, Attalus took up the mantle of the fallen king for the sake of the kingdom. However, when he learned that his brother was still alive and active, he readily and willingly returned the authority to its rightful head. Rather than taking what every younger brother covets, Attalus, out of love and loyalty, was satisfied with the responsibility he was birthed. The second act of loyal love came towards the end of Eumenes’ reign. The Roman empire was expanding, and Eumenes kingdom was included in that expansion. In hopes of avoiding a direct war, the Romans approached Attalus and offered him the crown if he would betray his brother and pledge his allegiance to Rome. Once again, Attalus did not bow to the internal pressure or external opportunities to take what was not his to claim. In doing so, he honored his brother, the crown, and the kingdom. And so, his brother honored him with Philadelphia, “the city of brotherly love.”
Philadelphia differed not just in age but in purpose from the other cities in the Revelation. It was positioned on the high ground at the juncture of major trade routes to Lydia, Mysia, and Phrygia, but not as a garrison city but a “missionary city.” Sitting as the “gateway (or door) to the East,” Philadelphia was founded with the sole purpose of “evangelizing” the surrounding area with Greek language and culture. So successful was Philadelphia in her mission that by the first century AD, the local languages were all but lost and the inhabits all but Greek! While cultural conversion was not uncommon in this era of humanity, the means of conversion was significantly unique. Archeologist Sir William Ramsey referred to Philadelphia as ‘the center for the diffusion of Greek language and Greek letters in a peaceful land and by peaceful means[1] as opposed to the Roman way of peace through force.
While the character and purpose of Philadelphia were admirable, life in the city had its difficulties, especially at the time of Jesus’ words. The epicenter of the earthquake, which destroyed Sardis in AD 17, lay just outside of Philadelphia. The city was built on the edge of volcanic fields atop a fault line, so the earthquake not only toppled the city but sent it into a nearly decade-long experience of aftershocks. The people lived under constant pressure and visual signs of an unstable world. So shakey was the ground that many of the inhabitants moved to the countryside, commuting daily to conduct all the routines of daily life. Like Sardis, Philadelphia was resurrected at significant cost by the Roman emperor Tiberius. And true to their character, they wanted to honor their redeemer, so they changed the city name to Neoceaserea (“New City of Ceaser). Several decades later, after another gracious investment by Emporer Vespasian, the city once again changed its name out of a desire to honor to Flavia (Vespasian’s family name was “Flavius”). By the time of Jesus’ letter, however, the city was known again as Philadelphia.
In a city whose character, calling, and history had positive similarities and parallels with the vision of faithful apprenticeship with Jesus, we find a “little” (in size, stature, influence, and authority) faith family. The city was not the faith family’s opposition, but rather the familiar religion “the synagogue of Satan,” who said the person and way of Jesus were not enough. Yet, this faith family honored their older brother (Heb. 2:11, Rom. 8:29) and the rightful (“holy one, the true one”) King becoming the one church remaining to this day. Philadelphia (modern-day Aleshehir) is the lone church to have a traceable remnant in our present time, and that might just mean we should pay extra attention to what the Spirit says to the churches through them.
PREPARATION
IMPORTANT: Try to make sure you have at least 25 minutes of uninterrupted time for this practice. Be realistic and honest about how much space and stamina you have for the quiet components. Some of us will welcome stillness and silence, but most of us will likely struggle to get through even 3-5 minutes of silence—and that is okay! Arrange whatever time you think reasonable (suggested times are provided), and set a timer; it helps. Get into a comfortable position but not too comfortable, so you don’t fall asleep.
PRACTICE
READ Revelation 3:7-13 slowly. If possible, read it aloud.
Now that you are familiar with the context and words, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. As you breathe in, pray “Holy Spirit… and as you breathe out, pray, “…Give me ears to hear.” Ask God to give you an openness to hear whatever the Spirit wishes to bring to you today. If (when!) your thoughts wander in the stillness, breathe the centering prayer to quiet your mind. Focus on your breaths as you envision breathing in God’s presence.
Now, reread the passage slowly, envisioning Jesus as “holy true,” the rightful ruler of not just God’s kingdom but the world. Jesus as the one who deserves all honor and glory and praise, as well as our loyal love. Picture Jesus holding the key to entry to life with God, as the “gateway” to God’s kingdom and our place of responsibility within. Imagine Jesus holding open the presence of God and holding out opportunities for participation in God alive to the women and men of Philadelphia, the church of “little power.” As you read and imagine[2]
Listen for a word or phrase, encouragement, admonishment, promise, etc., that stands out. Don’t choose this yourself; let the Spirit bring it to your mind. Even if you don’t like it, try to welcome it with humility (it’s key!) and see what happens.
Consider how you relate to the people and place of Philadelphia. How are their issues, your issue, or our faith family’s issue? How is their life of faith similar to yours and ours? How is it different?
Give yourself 3-5 minutes to ponder the questions and listen quietly.
REFLECT Reread the letter to Philadelphia slowly.
As you reflect the words of Jesus to this faith family, consider the following:
The word or phrase or detail that stood out to you. Why do you think these words resonated with you?
The promises in verses 12-13. In what ways might the promises of unshakable permanence in the presence of God (“a pillar in the temple of my God”) and Jesus bestowing honor and blessing (“I will write…the name of my God…the city of my God…and my own name”) have motivated the Philadelphia faith family to “Hold fast what you have”? How might the promises encourage you or us to do the same?
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to ponder all this. Then, ask God, “How do you want me to ‘keep what is written?”
RESPOND Read Revelation 3:7-13 one last time.
Prepare yourself for what you want to say to God about what you think the Spirit might have spoken to you or what came to you as you found yourself in the letter from Jesus to the faith family of Smyrna.
Pray whatever you need to pray. You might thank God for something or confess to God something or ask God for something.
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to respond.
REST Do as you are led for the last 5 minutes.
You may wish to wait quietly on God—to simply be with Jesus, who speaks directly and pastorally to his sheep. You may want to pay attention to Jesus, pondering: what Jesus does in this particular prophetic utterance or what he describes his people doing, or what about Jesus makes you marvel, or least want to be with him? Sit in the companionship of God—holds open the door to his presence and your purpose, which no one can shut.
CONCLUSION
Having fed on the word through this practice, give it time to digest. In a day or two, come back to your thoughts and observations about yourself, the church, and our church; praying these back to God and asking for clarity, encouragement, and courage to respond to Him. Consider sharing these with your Gospel Community, DNA, or another “sibling and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance which are in Jesus” (Rev. 1:9). Maybe even repeat the practice once more!
[1] William Barclay, The Revelation of John, 137.
[2] Revelation requires us to exercise our imagination. If the use of imagination in faith and life with Jesus is new to you, take a minute to read pages 18-19 of this resource.