The Church of Thyatira

Next in our study of the seven churches of Revelation, we come to the church at Thyatira. Keep in mind that each of the churches were real, living, breathing churches in Asia minor. Some have taken a completely allegorical view of the book of Revelation, but we miss the true message by doing this. This was an actual church ,and Jesus has a message for real people there. Unfortunately there was a big problem in Thyatira. But we'll begin with the positive:

Rev 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass

We don't have a ton of biblical reference material regarding Thyatira ,other than a narrative in Acts 16 which describes a woman named Lydia who worshipped God and received the message of salvation from Paul. Historical evidence suggests that Thyatira was an industrial area (metals in particular). Many have viewed Jesus' prelude as the one with eyes as a flame of fire and feet like fine brass as a reference to the metal industry of Thyatira. Others have emphasized that purifying nature of fire and the fact that the "eyes of the Lord" go throughout the earth, trying the hearts of the sons of men. Still others have suggested that the brass is symbolic of judgment- something that the church at Thyatira was about to experience unless some drastic intervention took place. All of these ideas are plausible and one thing we can agree on is the fact that Christ has come to examine this church with eyes of purity and the fire of God.

Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first

Again we are met with the phrase "I know thy works" as with the other churches. The church at Thyatira was commended for their works and charity. Unlike Ephesus who had left their first love, this church was doing more now than at the beginning of their walk. But as we will soon see, increase of sacrifice is no substitute for obedience to the true Word of the Lord.

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Keep in mind that each of the letters is introduced to the "messenger/angel" of the church. Because this messenger is rebuked for "suffering" (or allowing/permitting) Jezebel to have a prominent role suggests that the pastor here did have some ability to restrain her but didn't. Some have surmised that this was the bishop's wife- I'm not willing to go that far because there simply isn't enough evidence...but it does make one wonder. The name "Jezebel" immediately conjurs up negative images in the reader's mind. Whether or not this is her actual name is debatable, but what is clear is that she is following in the footsteps of the historical figure Jezebel. Again the reader needs some knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures, in order to see the correlation and significance of Jesus' rebuke. Jezebel's husband (Ahab) never restrained her in all of her evil works, and he committed a great abomination when he married this worshipper of Baal (I Kings 16:31). These two (Jezebel/Ahab) left a real black eye on the history of Israel. It is not insignificant that the Old Testament Jezebel persecuted the true prophets of God in her day and promoted idol worship. We see that the Jezebel of Revelation is following this same pattern: What is obvious is that this Jezebel is a very charismatic figure. Only in this way would she be able to "seduce my servants" (as Christ said) to commit fornication and participate in idolatrous practices. This is why Christians should always be on guard and search the scriptures for themselves. Just because someone has a dynamic personality and a slick presentation, does not guarantee that they are preaching truth.

Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

If ever there was a picture of the grace of God...this is it! Here we have a woman who is openly doing things that God hates and has a place of prominence. She is obviously not only deceived herself, but she is causing others to stumble. And yet in all of this, we see the mercies of God and his longsuffering nature and patience. Only God knows how long the "space" of repentance is for any given person. But it would behove us all to repent and respond immediately when we feel the conviction over our sins. This is why the church must also be patient in matters of judgment. It is very easy to embrace a spirit of impatience with others, but keep in mind that God is longsuffering "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9)." Unfortunately for Jezebel, she allowed space to run out and failed to respond in repentance.

Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds

Words are important and carry meaning. Jesus says He will cast Jezebel into a "bed" (this is obviously a reference to her stance on sexual immorality) and those who commit adultery with her (both physical and spiritual adultery) into "great tribulation." I don't believe it's any accident that Jesus used these words. Remember on the Mount of Olives, Jesus used this same terminology to describe one of the most horrendous times the earth has ever known (Matt 24:21 ). This is my opinion and I will preface my remarks by saying this-but I believe that this is an indication that there will be some Christians who are left behind at the time of the rapture because of their failure to repent of uncleanness.

Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Now I'd be willing to be that there are many who don't even know that it was Jesus who spoke these very words. We know that God is love- but how many of us know about this passage of scripture? God is no respector of persons. Christ is merciful and gives space to repent, but we also see there is a day of reckoning for those who are contentious and do not obey the gospel of God .

Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Here we see the righteous judgment of God. He does not punish the righteous along with the wicked, but provides a way of escape for the godly. Just as Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord and those eight souls were saved from the flood- and just as Lot was delivered from the fire and brimstone of his day. Jesus makes reference to the "depths of satan" and that leads one to believe that Jezebel claimed to have some secret knowledge that only select individuals could attain. Beware of any man or woman who claims to have a monopoly on the truth or receives "revelation(s)" from God contrary to the written Word!

Rev 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come

No other burden was placed upon the overcomers in Thyatira but to "hold fast" what they already had. We must indeed hold on (for dear life) to the precious, imperishable truths of the Word of God and uphold the confession of our faith steadfast until the end. The fact that Jesus uses the phrase "till I come" let's us know that these instructions are indeed just as valid for us today as they were when they were written initially!

Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Again, the promises belong to the overcomers. An additional remark here is that these overcomers keep the works of Jesus "unto the end." There are some that teach that perserverance in faith is optional. Many believe that Jezebel's doctrine was closely related to Gnostic doctrine which taught that matter was evil and some Gnostics denied a bodily resurrection for believers. Such a belief system could easily make allowances for sexual immorality for after all "all matter is evil" (according to Gnostic belief). Jesus makes it clear that it is a lifetime of faith and perserverance that brings the reward of eternal life. To those who overcome, they are granted "power over the nations." During the thousand year reign of Christ (Rev 20), those who overcome will have the honor of reigning with Christ over the nations. If that isn't motivation my friend....I don't know what is!!!

Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father

Once again we see the analogy of metal (this time iron). Christ's Kingdom rule will not be a rule of meekness, but a rule of iron. Now in this present world, it seems as if justice is twisted and never goes forth. This will not be the case in Christ's kingdom. And what a beautiful gift that God allows us to reign with His precious Son.

Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

This reference is a bit more ambiguous to interpret. One thing we know for sure is that Christ is referred to as the Bright and Morning Star. Just to be in the presence of Jesus Christ for all eternity is a reward in and of itself!

Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches

As always-we must be in tune with what the Spirit of God is saying unto the churches....then and now!

Next The Dead Church of Sardis