In the footsteps of St John

 Pilgrimage to Sardis and Philadelphia mentioned in the Book of Revelations by St John, the Apostle.

Ruins of the Temple of Artemis in Sardis

Today, we were blessed with clear skies as we travelled nearly 200 km down a newly built multilane highway from Bursa to Sardis (modern-day Sart, Turkey) and on to Philadelphia (modern-day Alaşehir in Turkey)  before ending up in the coastal city of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey) - a trip well worth making as we got to enjoy the rich Anatolian countryside full of olive groves, vineyards and fruit orchards. 

But the real treasure for me was the two ancient cities of Sardis and Philadelphia both mentioned in the Book of Revelations by St John the Apostle

Sadris

Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, renowned for its wealth, particularly during the reign of King Croesus, often cited as one of the richest men of antiquity. 

Invention of the currency coin

The city is credited with inventing the process of standardised state-issued currency coins, which revolutionised trade, as opposed to bartering or using raw metals. The first coins were minted around 600–650 BCE during the reign of King Alyattes and of a naturally occurring alloy called electrum, consisting of 55% gold and remaining silver. Later his son King Croesus, separated the two elements and introduced pure gold and silver coins, further refining the monetary system that quickly spread throughout the Greek kingdoms and the world.

Sardis at the time of St John the Apostle

At the time of St John, Sardis was a cosmopolitan city with a blend of Greek, Roman, and Anatolian influences. 

Sardis was home to a grand temple dedicated to Artemis, one of the largest in the ancient world, reflecting its religious significance as a focal point of pagan worship. It also had a significant Jewish community, evidenced by the discovery of one of the largest ancient synagogues.

Sardis had a rich past but struggled to maintain its relevance under Roman rule. Its inclusion in Revelation underscores the spiritual lessons derived from its history: the danger of resting on past achievements and the need for constant renewal and faithfulness.

Message to Sardis in the Book of Revelation 3:1–6

The letter to the church in Sardis reflects the city's decline and calls the Christian community to spiritual renewal. Jesus, through John, rebukes the church for having a reputation of being alive but being spiritually dead: "I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die" (Revelation 3:1–2).

Sardis is urged to "wake up" and repent, highlighting the need for vigilance and renewal. A small group of faithful believers is praised: "Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy" (Revelation 3:4).

Church of Mary at the site of the Temple of Artemis

4th century Church of Mary, at the site of the Temple of Artemis in Sardis

View from inside the Church of Mary in Sardis

By the late 4th Century, Roman Emperor Theodosius the Great, ordered the great temple of Artemis to be shut down. On the grounds of the temple, he constructed a Church dedicated to Mother  Mary which remained active through the early 7th century. Although dwarfed by the immense Temple of Artemis, it was found intact when archaeologists excavated it in 1911.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia was founded in the 2nd century BCE by King Eumenes II of Pergamum, who named it in honour of his brother Attalus II, nicknamed "Philadelphos" (meaning "brotherly love").

Philadelphia was known for its pagan temples and the worship of deities like Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. Its location near a volcanic area provided fertile soil for vineyards, contributing to its reputation for wine production. Its position on trade routes also brought economic activity through commerce

Philadelphia at the time of St John the Apostle

Outside the Church of John in Philadelphia

At the time of St. John, Philadelphia was under Roman rule but it retained much of its Greek identity. Pagan temples dominated the city's religious landscape, creating challenges for the small Christian community.
The Christian church likely met in homes or small gatherings, as they did in other early communities.

Message to the Church in Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7–13

Philadelphia was one of only two churches (along with Smyrna) that received no rebuke in Revelation. Instead, it was praised for its faithfulness.

Jesus speaks of an "open door" that no one can shut: "I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name" (Revelation 3:8).

The church is commended for remaining steadfast despite its small size and external pressures.