Neues aus Thyatira – eine lex sacra aus vorchristlicher Zeit

Abstract

Among the few inscriptions published in recent times that can be attributed to Thyatira, one of the seven cities of Revelation (cf. Rev 1:11; 2:18–29), a particularly noteworthy example is a lex sacra, or purity law. It regulates access to the sanctuary of an unspecified deity (presumably the μήτερ τῶν θεῶν). After presenting the material findings along with the Greek text and the German translation, the inscription is analyzed in terms of its linguistic form and genre. This is followed by a discussion of the individual cases of defilement (death, eating and touching garlic, murder and manslaughter, sexuality). Cross-references to biblical and intertestamental literature are included. The aim is to enhance the religious-historical profile of Thyatira, an Asia Minor city, which has received comparatively little attention in New Testament research.