Thyatira
Jesus' description of Himself:
The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished
bronze (Rev 2:18).
John describes Jesus' eyes "like a flame of fire" and His feet "were like burnished bronze, when it has been made
to glow in a furnace" (Rev 1:14-15). Daniel used a similar description for a heavenly figure
(Dan 10:5-6). Perhaps significant is the presence of a bronze working trade guild that existed
in Thyatira.
Background: Located forty five miles east of Pergamum, Thyatira was notable as a city of commerce utilizing the natural
resources of the area and its associated trade guilds. Lydia, a seller of purple fabrics, was from here
(Acts 16:14).
Praise and Rebuke:
I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are
greater than at first. (Rev 2:19)
But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she
teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. I gave her time
to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit
adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the
churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. But I
say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call
them—I place no other burden on you. Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. (Rev 2:20-25)
Observation:
The church of Thyatira was commended for:
1) The work accomplished by the church of Thyatira was recognized for their motivation of love and faith and
perseverance when persecuted. And their work for Jesus Christ was progressively getting better with time.
The problem exhibited by the church of Thyatira appears to be tolerating a prophetess within their congregation
who led some into immoral behavior and idolatry. Her evil influence was like Jezebel the wife of king Ahab (874-853 B.C.). Jezebel
was known for her wicked subversion by bringing in the worship of Baal (1 Ki 16:31-33),
attempting to destroy all of the prophets of God (1 Ki 18:4), and influencing others to do
evil (1 Ki 21:5-22; 2 Ki 9:22). Jesus Christ calls upon
the church of Thyatira to repent and reject this prophetess and her followers (unless they repent). Jesus Christ's condemnation is
strongest towards the prophetess and her followers: repent or experience fatal judgment.
Promise to Believers:
He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;
and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from
My Father; and I will give him the morning star (Rev 2:26-28;
3:21; 20:6).