Lydia. An adjective : the Lydian; but as Lydia was a common name among the Greeks and Romans, it does not follow that she was named from her native country.

A seller of purple. On purple, see note on Luke 16:19.

Thyatira. The district of Lydia, and the city of Thyatira in particular, were famous for purple dyes. So Homer :

"As when some Carian or Maeonian 22 dame Tinges with purple the white ivory, To form a trapping for the cheeks of steeds" Iliad, 4, 141.

An inscription found in the ruins of Thyatira relates to the guild of dyers. Heard [η κ ο υ ε ν]. Imperfect, was hearing while we preached.

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Old Testament