Gabriel & Lorraine

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Philadelphia, Turkey | The Faithful Church

Lorraine Marie Varela

Are you inspired to visit the biblical sites and historic cities in Turkey? Come with us on a life-changing adventure!

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In this Biblical city of “Brotherly Love” we had no idea an encounter with love was waiting—an experience that would become one of the highlights from our trip. 😊

The Biblical Significance of Philadelphia

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The Biblical Significance of Philadelphia

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Founded by the King of Pergamum in the 2nd century BCE, the city of Philadelphia was named for the king’s brother Attalus, whose loyalty had rewarded him with the nickname Attalus Philadelphos, literally meaning “one who loves his brother.”

In the first century A.D., Philadelphia was under Roman rule. It stood on an important trade route that connected Rome to significant cities in Turkey and on to the East. The early community of believers had an open door to share the Good News. Three centuries later, paganism would take hold and Philadelphia would become known as “Little Athens” for its dedication to foreign deities.

Philadelphia was also located in a region troubled by earthquakes. In 17 A.D., Philadelphia was devastated by an earthquake. Temples were constructed to be the most secure structures in the city, making this promise highly significant to this community of faith: “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God” (Revelation 3:12). Only three pillars remain in the ruins of Philadelphia today.

Philadelphia is most familiar to us in the third chapter of book of Revelation, as one of the seven communities of faith which received a message from the Jesus. It was one of two communities of faith whose message received praise and encouragement without a rebuke from the Lord:

To the angel of Messiah’s community in Philadelphia write: “Thus says the Holy One, the True One, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens. I know your deeds. Behold, I have set before you an open door that no one is able to shut—because you have little power, but you have kept My word and have not denied My name. Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of satan—who say they are Jewish but are not, but lie—behold, I will cause them to come and bow down before your feet, so that they acknowledge that I have loved you!


Because you have kept My word about patient endurance, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon—hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. The one who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the Temple of My God, and he will never leave it. And on him I will write the name of My God and the name of the city of My God—the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God—and My own new Name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Ruach is saying to Messiah’s communities.” Revelation 3:7-13

The Seven Churches of Revelation

Community Reputation: The Faithful Church

Correction Needed: None!

Promise Given: Overcomers would become “pillars in the temple of My God”

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One of two of the seven churches of Revelation to receive an encouraging message without a rebuke, Philadelphia continues to set the standard for believers worldwide as a demonstration of love in action. 

Key Verse


“Because you have kept My word about patient endurance, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is coming upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.”
Revelation 3:10


Spiritual Inheritance

A fresh impartation of boldness

and patient endurance

Points of Interest

  • Philadelphia St. Jean Church

Points of Interest

  • Philadelphia St. Jean Church

What to Expect in Philadelphia Today

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Today, very little remains of this ancient city, except a few standing pillars and rubble. The entire site fills less space than a city block. We made it just before closing to walk around the ruins, and get new insights from the caretaker on what this city looked like in its glory days.

open-air-bazaar-konya-turkey
unexcavated-land-of-colossae-turkey
Today, very little remains of this ancient city, except a few standing pillars and rubble. The entire site fills less space than a city block. We made it just before closing to walk around the ruins, and get new insights from the caretaker on what this city looked like in its glory days.

Once the gates were closed, we decided to walk the neighborhood to go on a spontaneous “treasure hunt.” As we rounded the corner, we saw a large colorful pink home with three Turkish women sitting outside, chatting. I asked to take a picture with them, and they welcomed me to sit with them.  

One woman began talking to me in Turkish (Arabic?), examining my hair, jewelry, and clothing in a very familiar way. It was a bit awkward, but also honoring at the same time. She had a large bandage on her forearm that looked like a wound, so I spoke a blessing for the healing of her wound. Though our conversation was lacking in understanding, brotherly love had found a way to make its mark.

Once the gates were closed, we decided to walk the neighborhood to go on a spontaneous “treasure hunt.” As we rounded the corner, we saw a large colorful pink home with three Turkish women sitting outside, chatting. I asked to take a picture with them, and they welcomed me to sit with them. 

One woman began talking to me in Turkish (Arabic?), examining my hair, jewelry, and clothing in a very familiar way. It was a bit awkward, but also honoring at the same time. She had a large bandage on her forearm that looked like a wound, so I spoke a blessing for the healing of her wound.

Though our conversation was lacking in understanding,  brotherly love had found a way to make its mark.

Why Christians Should Visit


To the natural eye, the remains of Philadelphia may hold little value in light of the other treasures Turkey contains. But not so in the spiritual realm! We can choose to see as man sees, or we can model our perspective after God's character: “For He does not see as a man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). This was the community that kept the word of God and did not deny His name, regardless of the culture they lived in. Their spiritual inheritance continues on.


Come to Philadelphia and experience a treasure hunt uniquely crafted from God's heart to yours!

About Lorraine Marie

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry founded to draw people closer to the heart of God.

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry designed to help people draw closer to the heart of God.

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