Day 01 - Smyrna, Thyatira

We slept in Smyrna last night and started our trip today in ancient Smyrna, just a few minutes from our hotel.

Revelation 2:8 NLT

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive:”

This verse came alive to us today as we learned that Smyrna was founded 3 times. The city was dead and destroyed but came back to life to be destroyed yet again. We discussed how we serve a Savior who was dead but now is alive never to die again. We have hope in our living God.  When we understand the geographical and cultural context of the Scriptures, it comes alive!!

Then we moved on to Pergamum, first at the Asclepion where people sought healing from the god Asclepius and its “hospital”.  From the Asclepion you can look up and see the prosperity of Pergamum on the hillside above it.  Towering above you was an altar to Zeus, worship of the emperor at the Trajan Temple , and worship to the city goddess Athena at her temple.  Knowing all of this about Pergamum helps us understand better in Revelation 2:13 when it says, “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.”

We were challenged to remain faithful and loyal to the Lord despite the distraction of all the gods of our age that constantly fight for our attention. 

At last we arrived at Thyatira, unfortunately after the site was closed, but we had a lesson as we could see the small archeological ruins through the fence. Most of what they know about Thyatira comes from ancient coins and inscriptions. We discussed the letter to Thyatira in Revelation 2:18-29 focusing on the fact that Jesus is indeed the Son of God!

It’s been a great day!