The Church of Philadelphia: Not Your Average Cheesesteak Stop (But Maybe There's Holy Bread?)
Ah, Philadelphia. City of Brotherly Love, Rocky Balboa, and...churches? Well, maybe not the cheesesteak kind (though there's probably a metaphor in there about the body of Christ...we'll move on). But there is a very interesting church referred to as the "Church of Philadelphia" that pops up throughout history. Buckle up, my friends, because we're taking a deep dive (with a little tongue-in-cheek) into the holy (and slightly confusing) world of Philadelphia's churches.
What is The Church Of Philadelphia |
Church 1.0: Revelation's Revelation
The OG Church of Philadelphia isn't some brick-and-mortar building you can visit (although the city itself was a real place in ancient times). This church is mentioned in the Book of Revelation in the Bible. It's one of seven churches addressed by Jesus himself, and let me tell you, Jesus had some pretty cool things to say about this particular congregation. He basically gave them a big thumbs up for being faithful and enduring, even when things were tough. #blessed
Church 2.0: The Denomination Down the Street (Maybe)
Now, things get a little tricky. You see, "Church of Philadelphia" can also refer to modern-day churches that might be named after the biblical one. These could be any denomination, from Presbyterians rocking the pipe organ to Pentecostals getting their praise on. Fun fact: There's even a Philadelphia Church of God out there, known for some interesting theological twists (but that's a story for another time).
So, Which Church Are We Talking About?
Here's the truth: it depends! If you're reading about the Book of Revelation, then it's the OG church Jesus gave a shout-out to. But if you hear someone mention the "Church of Philadelphia" in everyday conversation, it could be any number of churches.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Pro tip: If you're unsure, just ask! Unless they break out into ancient Greek or start quoting obscure passages from Leviticus, you're probably good.
FAQ: Church of Philadelphia Edition
How to find the Church of Philadelphia in the Bible?
Crack open your Bible to Revelation 3:7-13. That's where Jesus gives his message to the church.
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
How to visit the Church of Philadelphia (the real one, not the cheesesteaks)?
Since it's from the Bible, you can't exactly book a flight. But you can learn more about the history of the city of Philadelphia (modern-day Ala?ehir, Turkey) to get a sense of the place.
How to know if someone's talking about a modern-day Church of Philadelphia?
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Context is key! If they're quoting Revelation, it's probably the biblical one. Otherwise, it could be any church named after Philadelphia.
How to avoid a debate about obscure Bible passages?
Maybe steer the conversation towards the best cheesesteak spots in Philly. Safer territory.
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
How to learn more about churches in general?
Hit the books (or the internet!) There are tons of resources on different Christian denominations and church history. You might even discover a new church to visit (just maybe not one made entirely of cheesesteaks).