Lexical Summary Thuateira: Thyatira Original Word: Θυάτειρα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Thyatira. Of uncertain derivation; Thyatira, a place in Asia Minor -- Thyatira. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition Thyatira, a city of Lydia NASB Translation Thyatira (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2363: ΘυάτειραΘυάτειρα, Θυατείρων, τά (and once Θυατειρας, ἡ, Revelation 1:11 Lachmann Θυατειραν (cf. Tdf. at the passage; WHs Appendix, p. 156; Buttmann, 18 (16))), Thyatira, a city of Lydia, formerly Pelopia and Euhippia (Pliny, h. n. 5, 31), now Akhissar, a colony of Macedonian Greeks, situated between Sardis and Pergamum on the river Lycus; its inhabitants gained their living by traffic and the art of dyeing in purple: Acts 16:14; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 2:18, 24. (B. D. under the word.) Topical Lexicon Location and Setting Thyatira stood in the Lycus River valley of western Asia Minor, on the imperial road that linked Pergamum to Sardis and, further east, to Laodicea and the interior. The modern city of Akhisar, Türkiye, occupies the site. Its position on a fertile plain made the city both a strategic military outpost in earlier centuries and a vigorous commercial hub in Roman times. Historical Background Originally a Macedonian garrison established by Seleucus I around 300 BC, Thyatira passed successively under Seleucid, Pergamene, and Roman control. Under Rome it belonged to the province of Asia. While lacking the political prestige of Pergamum or Ephesus, Thyatira became famous for its trade guilds—especially those of wool-workers, tanners, linen-makers, bronze-smiths, and dyers. Inscriptions confirm at least ten guilds, an unusually high number for a city of its size. The purple-dyers’ guild is particularly notable, providing the backdrop for Lydia, “a seller of purple cloth from the city of Thyatira” (Acts 16:14). Biblical Occurrences 1. Acts 16:14 introduces Lydia, whose conversion at Philippi marks the first recorded European convert. Her Thyatiran background hints at the mobility afforded by the empire’s commerce and prepares the way for the later church in her hometown. Economic and Social Life Guild membership both protected and pressured local Christians. Guild feasts commonly involved idolatrous libations and sexual immorality. Refusal to participate risked social and economic isolation. The challenge faced by the Thyatiran church therefore centered on maintaining vocational livelihood without compromising fidelity to Christ. The Letter to Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29) Commendation: “I know your deeds—your love, faith, service, and perseverance—and that your last deeds are greater than the first” (Revelation 2:19). The church excelled in active charity and steady growth. Rebuke: “But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel…” (Revelation 2:20). A false prophetess was persuading believers to engage in idolatry and immorality, echoing Old Testament Jezebel’s corrupting influence (1 Kings 16–21). Warning: Christ’s “eyes like blazing fire” and “feet like burnished bronze” (Revelation 2:18) emphasize His penetrating discernment and unassailable judgment. He promises tribulation on unrepentant participants (2:22–23). Promise: Overcomers will receive “authority over the nations” and “the morning star” (Revelation 2:26–28), a preview of shared reign with the Messiah (Psalm 2:8–9; Revelation 22:16). Spiritual Themes and Ministry Applications • Holiness in Vocation: The tension between economic necessity and spiritual integrity remains relevant wherever believers confront industry practices that conflict with biblical convictions. Archaeological and Post–New Testament History Excavations have uncovered inscriptions to Apollo Tyrimnos, the city’s chief deity, confirming the religious milieu opposed by early Christians. Later Christian presence is attested in ecclesiastical records through the Byzantine period, though the site fell to the Seljuks in the eleventh century and later to the Ottomans. Modern Akhisar hosts only faint remnants of ancient Thyatira—a solemn reminder of the transience of earthly cities and the enduring call of Christ to spiritual vigilance. Forms and Transliterations Θυατειρα Θυάτειρα Θυατειροις Θυατείροις Θυατειρων Θυατείρων Thuateira Thuateirois Thuateiron Thuateirōn Thyateira Thyáteira Thyateirois Thyateírois Thyateiron Thyateirōn Thyateíron ThyateírōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 16:14 N-GNPGRK: πορφυρόπωλις πόλεως Θυατείρων σεβομένη τὸν NAS: from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, KJV: of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped INT: a seller of purple of [the] city of Thyatira who worshipped Revelation 1:11 N-ANP Revelation 2:18 N-DNP Revelation 2:24 N-DNP Strong's Greek 2363 |
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