Despite the serious problems described in the letter to the church in Thyateira, St John makes it clear that not all believers had given in to temptation. There were Christians who had remained strong in their faith. These were people who had not accepted what St John calls “the deep secrets of Satan.” This expression probably refers to false teachings that claimed to offer special or hidden knowledge, possibly connected with the Nicolaitans or similar groups.
These faithful Christians had refused to take part in the immoral practices of the pagan world around them. They had not joined in feasts where food was sacrificed to idols, nor had they participated in sexual practices linked to pagan worship. St John encourages these believers to hold on a little longer, to remain patient and loyal until the return of Jesus The Hittite Relief near Sardis.
Promise of Authority and the Morning Star
To those who remain faithful, St John promises great rewards. They will receive authority over the nations and be given the morning star. These promises are not meant in a political or military sense, but as symbols of spiritual victory and eternal life.
The image of ruling the nations comes from Psalm 2:9, which says:
“You shall rule them with an iron rod; you shall shatter them like an earthen vessel.”
In this image, iron represents strength, endurance, and firmness. In the Book of Revelation, Christ is often shown as the victorious ruler who has overcome evil and now governs all nations. Those who follow him faithfully are promised a share in this victory.
The morning star, often identified with the planet Venus, appears just before sunrise. For ancient people, it symbolized daybreak, hope, and new beginnings. In Christian symbolism, it also represents victory over darkness and death.
In Revelation 22:16, Jesus clearly identifies himself with this symbol:
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.”
By promising the morning star, Christ is promising believers a close and lasting union with himself.
Limited Traces of Christian Thyateira
Compared with some other cities of Asia Minor, very little physical evidence of early Christian Thyateira has survived. Much of the ancient city lies beneath the modern town of Akhisar, which has limited archaeological exploration Customized Guided Sofia Tours.
One of the most important buildings connected with the city’s past is Ulu Cami, the Grand Mosque of Akhisar. Although its exact date is unknown, it is considered the oldest mosque in the city. Architectural evidence suggests that the building had earlier uses.
From Pagan Temple to Church
Large stone blocks visible in the southwestern corner of the mosque, along with parts of the southern wall and an arcade on this side, date back to the pre-Christian period. The structure probably served first as a pagan temple, and later as a civil basilica during the Roman period.
Signs of its Christian phase can still be seen. Outside the eastern wall, there is the curved outline of half an apse, a typical feature of church architecture. In addition, several columns used in the mosque are believed to be reused materials from a church that once stood on the site.
Other Possible Church Remains
Further traces of Christianity may be seen in the courtyard of Şeyhisa Cami, also known as the Sheikh Jesus Mosque. A few broken column pieces lying there may point to the existence of another early church in this area. Although the evidence is limited, these remains remind us that Thyateira once had an active Christian community whose history is now mostly hidden beneath later buildings.
