Thyatira was a flourishing commercial center, noted for its dyeing, metalwork, and woolen industry.

St. Paul met “Lydia”, from Thyatira, in Philippi.  Some commentators have found it odd that somebody who came from Thyatira, Lydia, should be called “Lydia” and suggest that Luke got his names confused.  Paul may have visited Thyatira on his third missionary journey, though this is conjecture.  Lydia is described as a “dealer in purple cloth” (Thyatira Purple is mentioned in the Iliad).  Her hospitality to Paul and Silas reflects her independence and financial status.

Thyatira appeared to have encountered libertine tendancies, perhaps centered on a leader called “Jezebel”, though possibly the name is merely polemical.  Her followers were accused of sexual misconduct and eating food offered to idols.  The first may reflect the need of business people to follow the customs of trade guilds, particularly at their celebrations; faced with the problem of participating in pagan dinners, Paul himself has a more casual approach “eat what is set before you and ask no questions” (I Cor:8), a position that would not appeal to John, with his apocalyptic polarized views.

We discussed the timing of early “heresies”.  Tom pointed out that in early churches,  common practice was more important that common belief.  We noted that Prof Ehrmann attributes the eventual dominance of the “catholic” version of Christianity to its emphasis on having a  Creed, Canon, and Clergy.