Jesus Christ intends His epistles to the seven churches in Asia (Revelation 2-3) to be pertinent to every individual God has called over the centuries. However, they are most relative to church members in the end time because of the book’s focus on the Day of the Lord. Notably, this middle message among the seven, His letter to Christians in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29), contains considerable internal evidence that He wrote them all to the end-time church, preparing them for His return.
So, wherever His people are fellowshipping today, whether in an organized church or scattered as individuals, the attitudes of one or several of these messages could reflect their character traits. The modern Christian should approach the letters to the seven churches in a spirit of humility that Jesus may describe him or her, His message to Thyatira included.
This letter is the longest of the seven, containing extensive details about the Thyatirans’ good and bad characteristics. Though their works increase, and they display love, service, faith, and patience, they also allow “Jezebel” and her teachings among them. This mixture of good and evil displeases our Savior, who seeks their wholehearted devotion. Yet to those who repent, He promises eternal life and positions of rulership in His Kingdom. This study will concentrate on the attitude Christ discerns in the church at Thyatira.
1. How does Christ identify Himself to the Thyatirans? Revelation 2:18.
Comment: The titles our Savior uses to introduce Himself to the churches parallel the themes in the letters, and this holds true in the one to Thyatira. “Son of God” appears only here in Revelation, making its mention significant. Christ uses it to remind the Thyatirans that the One they are dealing with is not like them—He is God and comes with the highest authority and power. It likely refers to Psalm 2, especially since He quotes verses 8-9 later in the letter. He wants the Thyatirans to see Him as the Almighty King who rules with a rod of iron, whom even earth’s kings must learn to respect and honor.
The two descriptions—“eyes like a flame of fire” and “feet like fine brass”—support the title, emphasizing His divinity: He is omniscient and omnipotent. The second may allude to Daniel 3:16-25, where the three friends refuse to bow to an idol, never compromising even when facing death (see Daniel 10:5-6).
2. If allowed to choose which church we would be part of, most might overlook Thyatira. Is this a fair analysis? Revelation 2:18-19.
Comment: Christ compliments the members in Thyatira for their works, love, service, faith, and patience. He mentions “works” (ergon, “deeds, doings, labor”) twice for emphasis. To true Christians, these five traits are among the most highly prized New Testament commendations. Not only do these people have them, but they have continued to grow in them—even during the confusion, scattering, and apostasy the church must suffer as Christ’s return nears. Considering the woeful spiritual downfall and lackadaisical approach of so many in these times, our Savior sees significant good in them.
3. Is Christ’s message to Thyatira aimed at modern Christians or those during the Middle Ages, as the “eras” interpretation posits? Revelation 2:23; 1:4, 7, 10.
Comment: The internal evidence points toward two conclusions: 1) Revelation concentrates on the time just preceding and including the return of Christ, what the Bible calls the “Day of the Lord,” and 2) all seven of these churches exist at the same time. As Revelation 2:23 insists, unless Thyatira repents, all the churches will see Christ’s judgment on them. Thus, to witness Christ’s response, they must all be extant simultaneously. Even so, the message to Thyatira may still apply to the historical church, but only in type.
4. What is Christ’s greatest criticism of Thyatira? Revelation 2:20-21.
Comment: The world’s corrupt, godless society influences God’s people beyond our realization. Spiritual fornication and idol worship, in particular, have long been the bane of both physical and spiritual Israel. For instance, when Judah’s exile ended, a mere remnant of the people (42,360) returned to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:64), while the vast majority chose to remain in pagan Babylon (Jeremiah 3:10). We must ask ourselves, “Do we likewise put the things of this world ahead of God?” The Bible suggests only a small, faithful remnant will pay the price to return to God wholeheartedly and “come out of her” in the end time (Revelation 18:4; Isaiah 1:9; Jeremiah 24:7).
Jesus criticizes both Pergamos and Thyatira for eating things sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality. The major difference between them is that the temptation to apostatize comes from without in the former, while in the latter, it is from within. Perhaps in Pergamos, idolatry, mentioned first, was the dominant sin, whereas to the Thyatirans, Jesus mentions sexual immorality first, indicating it was their central problem.
5. Is God fair in allowing opportunities for improvement? What happens to those who continue to put earthly things before Him? Revelation 2:21-23.
Comment: God mercifully provides time and opportunity for repentance from idolatry and spiritual fornication with this world. If He fails to receive a proper response, He promises tribulation and martyrdom—not necessarily as punishment but as an inducement to repent (II Peter 3:9). Christ’s judgment and punishment are a sign to the church that He is aware, evaluating, and acting in His church’s behalf.
6. Is all of Thyatira affected by the idolatry and fornication of “Jezebel”? Revelation 2:24; Haggai 2:12-14.
Comment: Some in Thyatira do not allow themselves to imbibe of this Satan-influenced society to the extent others have, denying the doctrines of Jezebel. That Christ considers these people part of Thyatira suggests that they have compromised in some respects, though not to “the depths of Satan,” as have others among them.
7. Are the Thyatirans who avoid “that woman Jezebel” in good spiritual condition and standing with God? Revelation 2:24-26.
Comment: Having been commended for their deeds, love, service, faith, and patience, those who reject Satan will be fine if they hold fast to the doctrines and character they have shown (I Timothy 4:16; I John 2:24). Christ lays on them no further burden beyond holding fast (I Timothy 6:20; Jude 3). He does, however, give them the same admonishment that He gives to all the churches: Overcome and keep Christ’s works to the end. No matter what our spiritual state is, we all must continue to grow in the stature and fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13) throughout our walk to God’s Kingdom.