Day 06 - Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum

Sardis: Our day started at the ruins of the ancient city of Sardis. This city has a long history dating back to 2,000-3,000 BC when the Hittites ruled the city. Several empires have controlled this area over the course of history. This was the capital of the Lydian empire until the Persian empire conquered the Sardis around 500 BC.  Alexander the Great conquered the city in 300 BC, followed by the Roman empire, the Byzantine empire, and the Turks. 

Sardis was rich in gold and was a major trade route during these ancient empires. This was one of the first places where coins were minted, dating back to 300 BC.

There was a large contingent of Jewish people relocated here during the Persian empire. In fact, the largest synagogue outside of Israel was constructed here. Interestingly the synagogue contains pagan carvings suggestive of a drift in morality and Jewish customs. 

Pastor Josh led a lesson on the letter from Jesus to the city of Sardis (Revelation 3). The church of Sardis had an outward appearance of a thriving church, but had drifted and allowed the culture to enter their church. The church is called to repent so that their names can be written in the book of life. 

We didn’t stop at Thyatira, but drove by it on the way to Pergamum. On the bus, we learned the city was known for its trade guilds which were more than just a union. The guilds affected many areas of life including guild feasts which involved eating food sacrificed to the god of the trade guild (Apollo was a favorite of the guilds) and immoral behavior at guild parties. Jesus encourages those of the church to not take part in these practices but instead to hold fast and remain in him (Revelation 2).

Pergamum

At Pergamum, we visited the ruins of an acropolis. It was a long day of hiking here, but the sights and scenery were beautiful. We spent the majority of our time here touring the acropolis of the city. The acropolis in Pergamum was the home to many shrines and large temples. 

During our lesson led by Pastor Josh, we learned that Jesus refers to the plethora of shrines and temples as Satan’s throne in his letter to the church in Pergamum (Revelation 2). The church was struggling with both false doctrine and immoral practices. Jesus implores them to repent so that they will receive a white stone. At the time, a white stone was used to signal a favorable vote in court, receiving a black stone resulted in a negative judgment. 

We end our day letting the lessons from all our sites sink in, and we find ourselves encouraged not to live according to the indulgences of the flesh, not to compromise the Word of God, and to repent from idolatry in our lives. Jesus is the true King, who brings judgement and justice by the sword of his mouth. 

- by Kelvin Van Voorst