Thyatira

Rev. 2:18-29

The city of Thyatira was located a little southeast of Pergamos.  Let us take a look at what character Christ assumed toward the Thyatirans as He addressed them in verse 18:”…These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire and his feet are like fine brass.” Christ ws reminding this congregation of people that His vision was all-penetrating.  He knew every thought, motive, and action.  He knew whom they fellowshipped and allowed to teach and preach in their midst, and could see through any and all camouflages, knowing the real reasons for anyone going astray, should that happen.  Brass is a symbol of strength.  In Eph. 6:15 Paul tells us to have our fee shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.  Here we see Christ having a very strong preparation, redy to execute judgement in fulfillment of the ultimatum given in verse 15,”…fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

Christ commended this congregation for their works, charity, service, and faith,.  Their works were mentioned twice, and He said that last were more than the first.

Notwithstanding their good qualities, Christ had a few things against them.  In verse 20-22 we read:

Rev 2:19-22 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. NKJV

A number in this congregation had gotten under the influence of false teachers, being symbolized by the woman Jezebel, who was a wicked queen responsible for killing God’s prophets in Elijah’s day.  God was telling them in no uncertain terms to stand against such false teachers lest He turn them over to committing spiritual adultery and they all die a spiritual death.

·         They had works,

·         charity,

·         Service,

·         faith,

·         patience, and

·         more works

But they tolerated false prophets to teach God’s people error.  God gave these false prophets space (time) to repent, but they didn’t.  God final judgment was to cast them in a bed, (this symbolize spiritual sleep) and them that joined and supported and fellowshipped these false teachers.

Jesus said except they repent, I will kill her children with death (spiritual death), the children were there offspring .i.e. her converts, and for those who supported not this doctrine (false teaching), and know how deeply satanic this doctrine is, which these false prophets are teaching.  I will not burden (trouble) you, with which that you have already (the truth) hold fast till I come.  I will give you power over the nations, (the denominations) and you shall rule them with a rod of iron (God’s Word).   And as a vessel of Potter shall be destroyed, so it will be with these false teachers.

Next