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(Acts 16:14; 19:10;
Revelations 1:11; 2:18-29)
INTRODUCTION & HISTORY
Thyatira was the fourth of the seven Churches of Asia Minor
to receive an epistle from the Apostle John (Rev. 2:18-29).
The letter written to this church is the longest letter of 7
letters. It is full of accusations and blame for those
participating in forbidden acts such as eating meat
sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality.
An important trade center particularly for the textile
industry of Hellenistic and Roman times, the city lay along
a low lying corridor that followed a north south river bed
connecting the Caicus and Hermes River beds (Pergamum -
Smyrna – Laodicea Road). Though the city existed earlier, it
reached notoriety when reconstructed by Seleucus Nicator
about 300 BC. It was said that while he designed the city,
he was informed of the birth of his daughter. He name the
city after the news (“thygater” is Greek for “daughter”). It
was a cultic center to Apollo (the sun god), and apparent
home of the wealthy trade guilds. It was for centuries a
frontier fort, first for the western edge of Seleucus I or
Syria's territory, then the eastern frontier of the
Pergamene Kingdom. Although Thyatira that was established by
as a Lydian city, it became a Macedonian colony later on. In
the year 133 BC, it became the part of the Roman Empire.
Located in a fertile plain without any natural defenses-Akhisar
has been always subject to all kind of attacks. This was the
home town of Lydia, rich widow whom Paul met in Philippi in
Macedonia during his second missionary trip. The city was an
important industrial center reputed because of its trade
unions for wool, clothing and purple dyes.
The city was wealthy in ancient times, with its gentle
rolling hills and fertile valleys. Ramsey expressed that the
connection with this inland road was what made Pergamon
important, so it gave careful attention to the cities that
gave free course to the trade industry. It had a garrision
maintained there (first Seleucids, then Pergamene, then
Roman). Ramsey notes that “The condition of Thyatira was the
best measure of the power of Pergamum.” It was considered by
some ancients to be a city of Mysia, but to others a city of
Lydia.
The combination of a low plateau for an Acropolis and the
sloping valley surrounding it, gave an impression of the
city as more cosmopolitan and open, as opposed to the more
austere cliffs at Pergamum. The church at Thyatira, visited
by St. Paul (Acts 19:10) and represented by a convert who
was away doing business in Philippi (Lydia, cp. Acts 16:14)
was also more open to heresy. The letter of St. John to the
church suggests that her openness and gentleness in the face
of heresy (Jezebel and Nicolaitines) was her downfall (Rev.
2:18-23). About 150 AD, Montanus began a cult practice from
Thyatira, claiming his prophetesses spoke with the voice of
the Holy Spirit (hence, Montanism). The city was wealthy,
but did not reach its zenith until the C2nd AD. The trade
guilds that flourished there included wool workers, garment
workers, linen workers, leather workers, dyers (purple),
bakers, potters, slave dealers and bronze smiths. Each guild
was accompanied by its patron gods and in many cases
included immoral practices in participation with the guild
members. A faithful Christian may have found it difficult to
live his faith, as well as practice his craft.
Since modern town of Akhisar is located on the ancient roads
and has been subject to invasions and destruction, there is
very little left from the ancient city. Besides this, modern
city is built over the ancient town. One can still see the
ruins of a columned street and an impressive Byzantine
structure which is recognized as church or an administrative
building. Points of interest for the visitor today include
the ruins of a temple. Thyatira's ancient ruins were left
untouched until Rustem Duyuran began to excavate the site
from 1968 to 1971. Numerous inscriptions were found (21 sent
to Manisa Museum), along with the location of the colonnaded
stoa and other public buildings.
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