Thyatira

Thyatira, a city in Asia Minor, known for its dyeing industry and the home of Lydia, a convert of Paul (Act.16.14; Rev. 1:11; 2:18, 24).

Thyatira was a city in the Roman province of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), located in the Lycus Valley. It was known for its thriving dyeing industry, particularly in the production of purple cloth. Lydia, a seller of purple goods and a worshiper of God, was from Thyatira. She encountered the apostle Paul in Philippi and became a convert to Christianity (Act.16.14-15). Thyatira is also mentioned as one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 1:11). In the letter to the church in Thyatira, the risen Christ commends the believers for their love, faith, service, and patient endurance (Rev. 2:18-19). However, he also rebukes them for tolerating a false prophetess, symbolically referred to as "Jezebel," who promoted sexual immorality and idolatry (Rev. 2:20-23). The faithful in Thyatira are encouraged to hold fast until Christ's return, with the promise of authority over the nations for those who overcome (Rev. 2:24-28).

A city of Asia Minor, on the borders of Lydia and Mysia. Its modern name is Ak-hissar, i.e., “white castle.” Here was one of the seven churches (Rev. 1:11; 2:18-28). Lydia, the seller of purple, or rather of cloth dyed with this colour, was from this city (Acts 16:14). It was and still is famous for its dyeing. Among the ruins, inscriptions have been found relating to the guild of dyers in that city in ancient times.