Philadelphia
Philadelphia literally means "brother love". It was no city of itself, but fell under Sardes (it was named after the founder Attalus Philadelphus). This is the only city where there is still a christian community!! Though poor, persecutions have not fallen unto her, she even became a refugee for persecuted christians. Now it is called Alaser, which means "City of God", as is literally predicted in verse 12!! (though there is a spiritual meaning, also, as is with most prophesies).
This community is known for its pilgrimage character. They live in expectation of Jesus coming. Also, they live in the light of Christ, and become therefore lights themself, so that they stand up against the evil things, they're exposed. They are being saved from the hour of temptation, that shall come upon the earth refers to the rapture, of which this faithful community shall be excluded (also refers to the fact that Philadelphia never has been persecuted). As one can see, we've named all the letters for a certain period, but still we can find things of that past period, it doesn't stop. The Roman Catholics still honor Mary, we've got bisshops and reverends, name-christianity but also the faithfulness of Philadelphia
This community is known for its pilgrimage character. They live in expectation of Jesus coming. Also, they live in the light of Christ, and become therefore lights themself, so that they stand up against the evil things, they're exposed. They are being saved from the hour of temptation, that shall come upon the earth refers to the rapture, of which this faithful community shall be excluded (also refers to the fact that Philadelphia never has been persecuted). As one can see, we've named all the letters for a certain period, but still we can find things of that past period, it doesn't stop. The Roman Catholics still honor Mary, we've got bisshops and reverends, name-christianity but also the faithfulness of Philadelphia
