Revelation 2:18-29 Jesus Addresses the Corrupt Church at Thyatira

Persecuted for preaching the gospel, around A.D. 95, John was exiled to Patmos, an island on the Aegean Sea where he received a revelation from an angel of Christ.

Previously, Christ spoke to John through a vision that included seven candlesticks which represent the seven churches in Asia, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.

The first church mentioned to John was Ephesus, which Jesus described as having become loveless, and He warned the Ephesians they should repent or face God’s wrath. Then, Christ praised the church at Smyrna and encouraged them on the dawn of suffering to come. The third church, Pergamos was also praised for their perseverance, and rebuked for allowing blasphemous teaching within the church and encouraging the doctrine of Balaam to be spread which led believers to unrepented sin including idolatry and fornication.

“18 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.” (Revelation 2:18-19)

Thyatira was located even more inland than Pergamos, about 50 miles northeast of Smyrna. Through John, Christ praises the works of the fellowship at Thyatira, specially the more recent deeds which were that much more pleasing to God.

“20 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.” (Revelation 2:20)

On top of works, which Christ declared as pleasing to God, believers at Thyatira were also involved in abominations that included sexual immorality and idolatry, brought on by the teaching of Jezebel. Ahab’s wicked wife claimed she had the gift of prophecy, and her teaching deceived many among the fellowship at Thyatira who were seduced by sexual immorality and idolatry, transgressions against Yahweh.

“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.” (Revelation 2:21-22)

Here, Christ reveals how merciful He had been with the harlot Jezebel, but that His patience had run out and judgment would come to those who sinned against their bodies and did not repent of God’s most hated transgression.

‘”23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:23)

Because sexual sin is so offensive to God, the Almighty promises to not only punish those who sin against their bodies, their God given temples, but also the children and churches who transgress the Lord in such a manner.

“24 “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.” (Revelation 2:24)

Jesus now praises those in Thyatira who stood by the truth and did not fall to the false teaching of Jezebel, and promises to lighten their load as each one continues to walk the narrow path that leads to Heaven.

“25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— 27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’ (Revelation 2:25-29)

Lastly, the Christ calls on believers at Thyatira to stand fast, and hold true to the promise of eternal life to those who place their hope and faith in the risen Savior.

Believers who continue the fight until their death will also, upon Jesus’ return, share in the Lord’s dominion over the nations that will be crushed under the divine power of the King of kings. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through your revelation delivered by your faithful apostle.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre

Daniel St.Pierre is a born again child of God. A Canadian immigrant to the United States, Daniel considers himself "blessed to be a blessing" as the ministry he leads continues to reach thousands of souls each month, on a global scale since 2003.