Dictionary of Biblical Words:
The church, or its angel addressed in Rev. 3:7, characterized by having little strength, by keeping Christ’s word and by not denying His name. The claim to be one of such a company in the present day rests entirely on how far these characteristics of the original church are displayed. Assumption is always, however, a dangerous thing, and it is better to have the character of a Philadelphian than the name of one.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(brotherly love). A city of Lydia in Asia Minor, and seat of one of the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:11; 3:7-13).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
City of Lydia, in the west of Asia Minor. It was founded by Attalus Philadelphus, king of Pergamos. It has been more or less destroyed by earthquakes several times, but is still an important town, with ancient ruins, called Alla Sheh (Rev. 1:11; Rev. 3:7).
The assembly in this city was one of the “seven churches in Asia” to which the addresses in the Revelation were sent. The address to Philadelphia shows that the church there was characterized by little strength, but by faithfulness. If the seven addresses be viewed historically, this one comes after those representing Popery and Protestantism, intimating that when all hope of restoring the church is over, there may still be found a company keeping Christ’s word and not denying His name. See REVELATION.
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Transliteration:
Philadelpheia
Phonic:
fil-ad-el’-fee-ah
Meaning:
from Φιλάδελφος (the same as 5361), a king of Pergamos; Philadelphia, a place in Asia Minor
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
brotherly love
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
a place in Asia Minor, Rev. 1:11. {Amor fratris-Love of a brother; brotherly love:}