The Churches of Asia Thyatira: The Church That Tolerated Jezebel

The Text “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: 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

“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. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.” The Text Revelation 2:20, 21

“Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 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.” The Text Revelation 2:22, 23

“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. But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations--” The Text Revelation 2:24-26

“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; and I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The Text Revelation 2:27-29

Thyatira Thyatira was situated in a fertile valley through which trade routes passed. Although damaged by an earthquake during the reign of Augustus, Thyatira was rebuilt with Roman help Thyatira (modern Akhisar) has population of ~ 74,000 (courtesy of

Thyatira “Thyatira (modern Akhisar) was a city in the province of Asia, on the boundary of Lydia and Mysia. Thyatira has no illustrious history, and is scarcely mentioned by ancient writers...”

Background Located miles from Pergamos. A wealthy city on the Lycus River. Purple dye and dyed garments. Many temples of idolatrous worship. Apollo was the chief idol god. Powerful trade guilds. Meeting had meats sacrificed to idols, and all manner of debauchery.

The Church at Thyatira The longest of the letters; written to the least-known and least-important city. (Acts 16:14). Lydia, the first convert at Philippi was from Thyatira. She was a seller of purple (Acts 16:14).

Christ’s Description of Himself Son of God. – “ Eyes like a flame of fire.” – “Feet like fine brass.” All-seeing eye—piercing! – Hebrews 4:13. Saw immorality and corruption!

Commendations “I know thy works.” Faith is demonstrated by works.. Motives Done or left undone—He knows! – James 2:18 (26) “But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (26)

“Love” Correct motive Must be the reason behind our service Promotes true obedience –1 Corinthians 13:1-8 “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” Commendations

“Service. ” Serving God Serving mankind Actively diligent Not waiting for others – Matthew 5:13-16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Commendations

“Faith. ” Is a must! Is based on evidence. Faith and fidelity demonstrate commitment. – 1 Thessalonians 1:8 “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” Commendations

“Patience. ” Putting on the divine nature. Persevering. Keeping on. Depends on the depth of one’s faith. – Hebrews 10:32-39 “For you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.” Commendations

“The last are more than the first.” Brethren are making progress and moving forward. Not slacking off. –Hebrews 6:1 “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” Commendations

“ But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ.” Commendations “The last are more than the first.” Brethren are making progress and moving forward. Not slacking off. –Ephesians 4:15

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Commendations “The last are more than the first.” Brethren are making progress and moving forward. Not slacking off. –1 Corinthians 15:58

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” Commendations “The last are more than the first.” Brethren are making progress and moving forward. Not slacking off. –2 Peter 3:18

Words of Condemnation “You allow Jezebel...to teach and beguile My servants. ” Spiritual gifts existed in the first century. Laying on of the apostles’ hands – Acts 6:1-6 “Whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.”

“You allow Jezebel...to teach and beguile My servants. ” Spiritual gifts existed in the first century. Laying on of the apostles’ hands – Acts 8:14-18 “Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given...” Words of Condemnation

“You allow Jezebel...to teach and beguile My servants. ” At that time, the word was still being revealed. Other claims were false! – Acts 21:8,9 “…who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.” Words of Condemnation

“You allow Jezebel...to teach and beguile My servants. ” Woman in Thyatira— ” prophetess ” Lord another name-- Jezebel – 1 Kings 19:2 “Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.’” Words of Condemnation

“You allow Jezebel...to teach and beguile My servants. ” The word EVIL personifies Her name. Shows the wickedness of this woman’s work! – Revelation 2:21 “ And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.” Words of Condemnation

The influence led God’s people to… Commit sexual immorality. Eat things sacrificed to idols. Refusal to repent-- impenitent hearts! – Hebrews 3:13 “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Words of Condemnation

The Warning! God does not make idle threats! Jezebel and her followers would be cast into tribulation. Dangers of tolerating error! – 1 Corinthians 5:11 “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person.”

“Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” God does not make idle threats! Jezebel and her followers would be cast into tribulation. Dangers of tolerating error! – Romans 1:32 The Warning!

“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.” The Warning! God does not make idle threats! Jezebel and her followers would be cast into tribulation. Dangers of tolerating error! – Proverbs 4:14, 15

Exhortation to the Faithful “Hold fast till I come!” Put no more burden on them. God does not allow us to be over-burdened. – 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

“For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.” Exhortation to the Faithful “Hold fast till I come!” Put no more burden on them. God does not allow us to be over-burdened. – 2 Corinthians 8:12

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Exhortation to the Faithful “Hold fast till I come!” Put no more burden on them. God does not allow us to be over-burdened. – Galatians 6:9

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Exhortation to the Faithful “Hold fast till I come!” Put no more burden on them. God does not allow us to be over-burdened. – Revelation 2:10

Consolation to the Faithful “He will rule with a rod of iron!” “He will have power over the nations.” – Romans 5:17 “For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”

“He will rule with a rod of iron!” “He will have power over the nations.” – James 4:6,7 “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Consolation to the Faithful

“He will rule with a rod of iron!” “He will have power over the nations.” – Romans 12:21 “ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Consolation to the Faithful

“He will rule with a rod of iron!” “He will have power over the nations.” – Hebrews 13:5,6 “…I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Consolation to the Faithful

“The Bright and Morning Star” A new day arrives! Only for those who overcome. “He that hath ears, let him hear…” – Revelation 2:16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” “The Bright and Morning Star” A new day arrives! Only for those who overcome. “He that hath ears, let him hear…” – Ephesians 1:3

A new day arrives! Only for those who overcome “He that hath ears, let him hear…” – Hebrews 6:18 “That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.” “The Bright and Morning Star”