Day 06 - Sardis, Thyatira, and Pergamum

We had another amazing day as we continue to walk through scripture. Our day began in Sardis listening to 1 Peter 4:7-12 as he tells the churches to serve each other in order that everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.  

The city of Sardis, Capitol of the Lydian Empire, had a natural acropolis which was a higher point of elevation for defense and an abundance of fertile land on the Hermis river where the Pactolus stream provided natural gold making the Lydians the most wealthy and powerful in Anatolia. It connected to the main Roman Road making it a popular stopping place with shops including those that worked with dyes and paints.  

Fun fact:
Coinage originated in Sardis approximately 650 BC with the first coin minted having the image of a lion (Lydian Lion).    

The city of Sardis was conquered by the Persians in approximately 547 BC and Alexander the Great in 334 BC. Sardis became Hellenistic with a Temple of Artemis and the theatre.   
During the Roman Era, 1st-4th century, their influence led to a Roman altar in the synagogue that shared a wall with the Roman gymnasium and public bath. A synchronistic relationship developed between the Jews and Romans shutting Christians out of the synagogue and community.  

The churches difficult time is a test and Peter tells the churches to let those who suffer according to Gods will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. 

Today we can also rely on these encouraging words of Peter, to the church, as we continue to build each other up and place God first so there is no room for slippage of things outside of Gods will to enter.  

Our next stop is Thyatira, founded in 3000 BC resting in a valley, unlike Sardis, making it harder to provide defense. Romans conquer and the city becomes part of the Pergamom Kingdom in 189 BC.   

Fun fact:
This city is known for its purple dye as recorded in Acts 16:14 a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira was a seller of purple goods.  

Trade guilds, ancient labor unions, were popular for social and religious community. Their main diety of worship was Apollo the sun god. They would have initiations for new members called “Guild Feasts” involving immoral behavior and animal sacrifice to idols.  This made it difficult for Christians to be a part of the community if they did not participate in these events.  

This area tolerated the acts of Jezebel as she continued to lead Christians astray with immoral behavior. In Revelation 2:18-29, they are told in the letter to the church that those who do not learn what some call the deep things of Satan will be given the morning star by the authority of the Father.  

Why does purity of the church matter? We are following God and when we allow sin in the midst of the church it allows others to follow. We may struggle now but as Revelation 22:16 tells us Jesus is the bright morning star. He is our reward!!

Our last stop of the day was Pergamum. Highest city of elevation and a very wealthy civilization. It had good defense and wealth but required a 26-mile aqueduct to bring water into the city. The city had an altar to Zeus, Temple to Athena, and the steepest Roman theatre. In 78 BC, the first temple of Rome and the first temple to Caesar Augustus were built here.  

Fun fact: 
Parchment paper, pages, and indexing of books was invented here!

Immorality is also slipping into the church of Pergamum. As you leave the steepest theatre you see a temple to, the god of Wine, Dionysus and as you continue the path it takes you to houses with triclinium tables where guests would recline and enjoy symposium which was feasts, wine, and acts of immorality.  

Through these indulgent and immoral acts they were trying to find the life of peace that only Jesus can bring.  As we read in Ephesians 5:18, "Do not get drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit making melody to the Lord with your heart."  

The letter to the church in Revelation 2:12-17 reminds us that all the Lord needs in order to wage war is to speak, the sword of his mouth. He holds the power over light and death.

We will learn more about Pergamum tomorrow but as we finish our day, I am left examining how my life lines up with my beliefs. 1 Timothy 4:16 tells us to keep watch on yourself and on your teaching.  The Lord knows our heart and each day we should intentionally shape our lives according to our beliefs and Gods will for us. 

Allie