SARDIS
After traveling south about thirty-two miles, we approach Sardis. The landscape is quite remarkable. The upper city is set on a plateau, perched atop steep, six-hundred-foot vertical cliffs on three sides. A high wall, some sixty feet wide and fifty feet high, protects the south-facing fourth side. The ground ruggedly slopes to the fertile plain on which we travel. The upper-city acropolis recalls a time past. It now is largely uninhabited. Most of the population live in the lower, mostly west-facing city along the major trade route. We see several terrace walls entwined with the jagged landscape. I suppose that these provide some minimal protection from attack. The city continues along the Pactolus River. A small altar to Cybele appears to the north. A quarter-mile south stands a huge Jewish synagogue, a gymnasium, and a temple of Artemis. This temple resembles the one in Ephesus, but till now, it remains unfinished. About six miles away is a large necropolis, a memorial to the city’s past greatness. The popular hot springs are two miles away, on the foothills of the Timolus. They are used to treat ailments. The black sands on the banks of the Pactolus are known for their vast gold deposits. This region was the first to successfully separate gold and silver from mined impurities. Sardis minted coins are still a popular commodity for commerce. Ignatius tells me that these deposits have long since been exhausted. At the present time, strong guilds drive the economy, marketing fruits and wool. Other local products include expensive ornaments and precious stones.
As I look to the upper city, I comment: “It seems impregnable.”
Ignatius: “It isn’t. About five hundred years ago, King Croesus ruled
the region. He was, by far, the richest man in the world. But then, under
Cyrus the Great, Persian climbers unexpectedly scaled the cliffs and destroyed
the city. So much for wealth.”
I say: “Wow! What happened after that?”
Ignatius: “The city was quickly rebuilt. A few hundred years went by,
and the Greeks repeated the insult. More recently, Sardis was demolished
by a massive earthquake.”
“Is that why the upper city is mostly abandoned?”
Ignatius: “It is. Sardis retains a reputation for having a wealthy citizenry,
but it is unlikely to ever regain its previous status. Frequent bands of
robbers disrupt the normal day-to-day flow.” He adds: “Enough small talk,
let’s find the bishop.”
The bishop Clement has a good reputation. He is popular and well known in town. He was not hard to find. Ignatius looks troubled as he hands the Revelation scroll to him. I listen as it is read.
And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says these things: “I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If therefore you won’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you. Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that didn’t defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.” (Rev 3:1–6)
Clement looks angry. He reacts: “That letter is not authentic.”
I reply, “Why do you say that?”
Clement: “Our congregation is a living witness. Way-followers don’t need to alienate others. I’m proud of our standing in the community. We get along quite well with the Jewish rabbis and with town officials. Many of them even attend our gatherings.”
Ignatius speaks up: “Overconfidence leads to blind spots. Living in our eyes can be dying in God’s.”
Clement retorts: “What do you mean by that?”
Ignatius: “Remember when the Persians and Greeks took the city by surprise. Remember the sudden earthquake. We always need to be alert.”
Clement: “What does that have to do with my congregation?”
Ignatius: “Do you affirm that Jesus is Lord, not Caesar?”
Clement: “We don’t have that issue here. Our relationship with the synagogue is strong. We retain the Jewish exemption regarding honoring Domitian. Why raise a problem when it is not necessary?”
Ignatius: “Do you tell your Jewish friends that Jesus died according to Scripture, was buried, and was raised according to Scripture? Do you tell them that he is the promised Jewish Messiah?”
Clement: “That will come in time. It is more important to present a welcoming, loving atmosphere.”
Ignatius: “I agree. But we cannot ignore basic truths. Clement, you are one of the seventy apostles. You have a privilege and a responsibility. What you received, you need to share. The blessed Paul declared that your name is written in the book of life. Jesus promises in the letter that it will never be blotted out. But what about your flock? Do they have the same assurance? Truth matters.” After a short pause, Ignatius continues: “Are you encouraging your flock to renew their minds and actions? Do they shine their light in the present darkness?”
Clement: “I don’t think we’re doing so bad.”
Ignatius: “Think about the expensive, pure white wool garments made in Sardis. What happens when they are soiled? What does that do to their value? A Way movement without Jesus at the center is no better than paganism.”
Clement: “Well, maybe you have a point. I still think the letter is harsh.”
Ignatius: “Don’t think that way. God chastens those he loves. The letter is based in love. We all need to be accountable, especially those of us called to lead.”
Clement: “I still don’t know if I agree.”
Ignatius: “Jesus, through the seven Spirits, holds the congregations and its messengers in his hands. If we go it on our own, he relents. But then, there are consequences.”
Clement: “Let’s leave it here. I don’t want to argue.”
Ignatius: “Promise me that you will pray about this. And make sure to include those who don’t agree with your approach.”
Clement: “Okay, that’s fair.”
PHILADELPHIA
That was tense. Ignatius surprised me. I hadn’t expected him to be so direct. Yet, his loving spirit was apparent. There was no harshness or condescension in his demeanor. Instead of pressing the point, he granted Clement the dignity of thinking through the issues for himself.
Well, enough about the Sardis visit. We leave and travel twenty-seven miles southeast. Philadelphia sits at the bottom of Mount Bozdad. I see numerous volcanic cliffs nearby. As we approach the city, streams of people are leaving. . . .