Threatened Thyatira Chapter 11

Thyatira was known for its thriving trade and commerce during the Roman period. One notable figure associated with Thyatira is Lydia, a prominent businesswoman and seller of purple cloth mentioned in the Bible. Lydia gained recognition for her trade in purple cloth, which was highly valued and considered a luxury item during that time. The dye used to produce purple cloth was derived from a specific type of shellfish, making it a rare and expensive commodity. Lydia's success in this trade allowed her to establish a prosperous business. Thyatira was also known for its trade guilds, which were associations of craftsmen and merchants organized around specific trades or industries. These guilds played a significant role in the economic and social life of the city. They provided a platform for members to collaborate, set standards, and regulate trade practices within their respective industries. The trade guilds in Thyatira covered a wide range of professions, including textile production, metalworking, pottery, and more. These guilds not only facilitated trade but also served as social and religious organizations, often having their own patron deities. The city of Thyatira, with its vibrant trade and influential trade guilds, played a crucial role in the economic development of the region during ancient times. Lydia's success as a seller of purple cloth and the presence of trade guilds exemplify the city's significance in the commercial landscape of the era

The Exegesis of Revelation 2:18-29

The Cultural Background of Thyatira LINK

 

THE GEOGRAPHY OF THYATIRA ..... p. 276

MESSENGER PREAMBLE FORMULA—2:18.... p. 302

• Description of the suzerain..... p. 302
• The transcendent suzerain: Son of God—2:18b .... p.   303
•     Fig. 88. Coin with Augustus Denarius and a comet with eight rays.
• The transcendent suzerain: Eyes like a flame of fire—2:18c .... p.   305
•     Fig. 89. Coin,  bust of the magistrate and Hephaestus and Athena. p. 305
• The transcendent suzerain: feet like burnished bronze—2:18d.... p.    306
•     Fig. 90. Coin with the head of Apollo and a labrys (double axe) with a bow.

HISTORICAL PROLOGUE—2:19–21.... p.    307

• The suzerain knows their works—2:19 .... p.   307
• The suzerain knows that you tolerate Jezebel—2:20.... p.    309
• The suzerain knows that Jezebel refuses to repent—2:21.... p.    312

SANCTIONS—2:22–23.... p.    313

• The curse of thrown on a sickbed—2:22a .... p.   313
•     Fig. 91. Votive showing a funerary banquet. Lying on a kliné,
• The curse of great tribulation—2:22b.... p.    314
• The curse of dead children—2:23a .... p.   315
• The curse of receiving according to their works—2:23b.... p.   316
•     Fig. 92. Plaster reproduction of the Law Code of Hammurabi.

ETHICAL STIPULATIONS—2:24–25.... p.    317

• First imperative: No other burdens—2:24b.... p.    319
• Second imperative: Hold fast to what you Have—2:25.... p.    319

SANCTIONS: BLESSING—2:26–28.... p.    320

• The blessing of authority over the nations—2:26b.... p.    320
• The blessing of an iron rule—2:27.... p.    321
• The blessing of the morning star—2:28.... p.    322
•     Fig. 93. Coin with the bust of Hadrian and statue of Venus (Aphrodite) and Cupid. 

PROCLAMATION WITNESS FORMULA—2:29.... p.    323

CONCLUSION.... p.    324

 For the Commentary outline on Revelation 2:18-29 see LINK.

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Updated Nov. 8, 2023