TO THE DEAD CHURCH On a plateau at the foot of Mount Timolous, in a fertile valley, at the intersection of several roads, stood the city of Sardis. It was 35 miles southeast of Thyatira. Three sides of the plateau were perpendicular cliffs, so the inhabitants thought they only had to defend one side... [ Continue Reading ]
TO THE ENDURING CHURCH Verse 7 Twenty-eight miles southeast of Sardis was the town of Philadelphia. It was located in a very fertile but dangerously volcanic area. The city was founded by Attalus II who was nicknamed the brother-lover. He was reported to be dead in a battle so his brother was persua... [ Continue Reading ]
TO THE LUKEWARM CHURCH Verse 14 Laodicea was 40 miles southeast of Philadelphia. It was in a fertile valley at the junction of several major trade routes. It was a wealthy city famous for much gold, because it was a banking center, its black wooled sheep and fine garments made from that wool, and an... [ Continue Reading ]