Thyatira was an ancient city located in the region of Lydia in Asia Minor, which is present-day Turkey. It is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation and the Acts of the Apostles. Thyatira was known for its trade and commerce, particularly its dyeing industry, and was a center for various trade guilds.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 16:14 · Thyatira is first mentioned in the context of Lydia, a notable convert to Christianity. Lydia is described as "a seller of purple goods from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God." She is recognized for her hospitality, as she invited Paul and his companions to stay at her home after her conversion and baptism.

2. Revelation 1:11 · Thyatira is one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John, while on the island of Patmos, receives a vision from Jesus Christ, who instructs him to write to the seven churches in Asia, including Thyatira.

3. Revelation 2:18-29 · The message to the church in Thyatira is one of both commendation and rebuke. The Lord commends the church for its deeds, love, faith, service, and perseverance, noting that their latter works exceed the first. However, He also rebukes them for tolerating the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and leads His servants into sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols. The passage warns of severe consequences for those who follow her teachings but also promises authority over the nations to those who overcome and keep His works to the end.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Thyatira was a city of significant commercial activity, known for its production of purple dye, which was highly valued in the ancient world. The city was home to numerous trade guilds, including those for wool workers, linen workers, dyers, leather workers, tanners, potters, bakers, and bronze smiths. These guilds often held social and religious gatherings that could involve pagan practices, posing challenges for early Christians who sought to maintain their faith while participating in the local economy.

The reference to Jezebel in Revelation 2:20 is symbolic, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament figure Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, who led Israel into idolatry and immorality. The warning to the church in Thyatira highlights the danger of compromising with pagan practices and the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity.

Theological Significance:

The message to Thyatira emphasizes the importance of discernment and the rejection of false teachings within the church. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance against moral and spiritual compromise. The promise of authority over the nations to those who overcome reflects the eschatological hope of believers who remain faithful to Christ.

The account of Lydia in Acts underscores the role of women in the early church and the spread of the Gospel through personal relationships and hospitality. Lydia's conversion and subsequent support of Paul's ministry illustrate the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of individual believers in the growth of the early Christian community.Thyati'ra (3 Occurrences)

Acts 16:14
and a certain woman, by name Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, worshipping God, was hearing, whose heart the Lord did open to attend to the things spoken by Paul;
(See RSV)

Revelation 2:18
And to the messenger of the assembly of Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who is having his eyes as a flame of fire, and his feet like to fine brass;
(See RSV)

Revelation 2:24
And to you I say, and to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, and who did not know the depths of the Adversary, as they say; I will not put upon you other burden;
(See RSV)

Thyati'ra (3 Occurrences)
Thyati'ra. Thyatira, Thyati'ra. Thyine . Multi-Version Concordance
Thyati'ra (3 Occurrences). Acts 16:14 and a certain woman, by ...
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Thyatira (4 Occurrences)

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Thyine

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