Joyce's Photos of Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the sixth of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation. Many consider it to be "the faithful church". Here is what is said to it in the Bible:

7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him 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 I will write on him My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' (Revelation 3:7-13).

The following links are to photographs taken and/or directed by Joyce Thiel in May 2008. All materials are copyrighted and all photographs are copyrighted by Joyce Thiel (c) 2008, All Rights Reserved:

Symbol of Alaşehir (Anciently Philadelphia). The area around Alaşehir (anciently referred to as Philadelphia) is known for growing wine grapes.

Modern Alaşehir. Here are a couple of photos of modern Alaşehir. Notice that a sign for the old church calls it, "Philadelphia Saint Jean Church"--we have noticed that French spellings of some English words occurs in parts of Turkey.

Remains of the Saint Jean Church. It needs to be understood that this is NOT the church that John wrote to in the Book of Revelation. This structure was built many centuries later. And has been abandoned, as a church, for centuries.

COGwriter in Philadelphia. This is COGwriter (Bob Thiel) in front of the remains of the Church in Philadelphia.

Ruins of Ancient Philadelphia. These are the remains of some structures that were actually in existence when John penned the Book of Revelation. There are, of course, no ancient crosses associated with "Christianity" there as the cross did not become a symbol used by the Greco-Roman confederation of churches until a couple of centuries after Jesus died.

Ancient Philadelphia. The structures that are mainly below current ground level and within the confines of the wooden rail fence are from the time that John wrote to the church in the town of Philadelphia. There are no "church" buildings that existed there then.

Scattered Ancient Ruins. These are pieces of grave stones and buildings that are scattered around the grounds of the area.

Scattered Ancient Ruins. These are pieces of grave stones and buildings that are scattered around the grounds of the area. The letters on the item to the right are still clear enough to read.

Of all the seven churches in Asia Minor, it is the one in Philadelphia that appears to have the least amount of ancient structures available to see. The ancient remains of Philadelphia, like the remains of the true church of the Philadelphia Church Era, simply not that impressive from a worldly perspective.

Much more information about the spiritual ramifications of Philadelphia can be found in the articles The Philadelphia Church Era, What is a True Philadelphian?

COGwriter 2008 2009,2012

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