We’re looking at the fourth church in Asia that the book of Revelation was initially addressing. This is the church of Thyatira in Revelation 2:18, and this is the longest message to any of the churches.
In Revelation 2:18, it says, “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this,” going back to Revelation 1:15 and the description of Jesus, we see His eyes see all things and judge all things and the feet of burnished bronze speaks of His power to stamp out all evil.
It says, “I know your deeds,” He always knows, “and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that Your deeds of late are greater than at first.” What a commendation that is. They are not only a church that has many great virtues. They are also a church that are growing in those virtues. That is a commendable thing.
He immediately moves into an area of condemnation in Revelation 2:20, He says, “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.” So, this is a woman. Apparently, a literal woman. Her name may not be Jezebel. That may simply be a description. You remember Jezebel – she has the distinction of being the most wicked woman in all the Old Testament scriptures. So, whether this lady’s name was actually Jezebel, or she just characterized Jezebel we are not sure, but she is leading the people into the sinful behaviors, immorality, and involvement with idols.
He continues in Revelation 2:21, “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.” So, three times we come up with the word repent. He gave her time to repent, and she doesn’t want it. She wants nothing to do with it. So, the Lord is going to bring chastisement or judgment upon her and those who follow her if they do not repent. It appears He is still giving her and them a bit of time to repent. If they do not, He will come against them.
He says in Revelation 2:23, “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.” So, He is looking to a different group of people who are not following this lady, Jezebel, and her sinfulness and her immorality, and not following the deep things of Satan. We are not sure what that doctrine was, but it is ugly and its corrupted. He places no other burden on them. He continues, “Nevertheless, what you have, hold fast until I come.” So, persevere and continue to do what you’re doing and don’t get sidetracked by these false teachings . . .
