The Lord’s Self-Designation (verse 18)

The church was planted in Thyatira. In addressing this church of Christ, Christ Himself refers to Himself as “the Son of God.” This title is found no where else here in the book of Revelation, although it is certainly implied. He is described as having “eyes like a flame of fire,” and “feet like fine brass,” or “burnished bronze,” according to other translations.

Here again, do we see a connection between this description of the Lord and what went on in the city of Thyatira? Well, I think we do. They were known for their Trade Associations and Unions that were associated with making of metals—of bronze, or brass. They used fire—very hot fire—to burnish the brass and to take out the impurities, and so on. This may be where this image of “fire” comes from. And then think of the image of these “feet” of the Lord Himself “like fine brass” or “burnished bronze,” depending on your translation. He is depicted as treading in powerful judgment upon those who oppose Him.

Commendation (verse 19)

There are many things for which the Lord will commend this church. We see that they are commended for their “love,” for their “faith,” for their “ministry,” and for their “patient endurance.” In fact, the Lord will compliment them, saying that the things that they were doing now were better—were greater—were of more significance than in the beginning.

Well, that is a good thing to note, because sometimes just the opposite is true, isn’t it? Particularly as we think of individuals as they become Christians. We use this term sometimes: “They are on fire for the Lord!” But then as time goes on, their work, their service, their faithfulness, and so on, dwindles away. Not so, apparently, with the church here in Thyatira. This was a church that was very active and very busy.

Condemnation and Warning (verses 20-23)

Yet, there was a problem—a very severe problem here. There was an evil leader in the midst of this church and this evil woman was in the process of corrupting and defiling the church. That woman is referred to as “Jezebel, who calls herself,” the Lord says, “a prophetess.” She, indeed, apparently had tremendous influence upon the church there. The Lord says that she was “teaching” and “seducing” the same false teaching that we have identified in other locations, specifically that of the Nicolaitans. She apparently had many who were following her. It is clear that she was violating the doctrine of Christ. She was encouraging and condoning and, perhaps, providing an outlet for these things.

We’re reminded, perhaps, of Acts, chapter 15, verse 29, where they were dealing with the problem of circumcision that Paul brought to the attention of the elders in Jerusalem. We recall the letter that was written by James, the brother of the Lord, and in that letter, among other things, was the instruction for those who read it to “abstain from sexual immortality,” “from things strangled,” and “from things offered to idols.”

Well, here we see those very things being done in this church. Now, her name was not “Jezebel.” It was rather to symbolize the Jezebel that we read about in 2 Kings, chapter 9, who had such a terrible effect upon the children of Israel. As a matter of fact, there is one translation that, instead of referring to her or calling her by the name, “Jezebel,” calls her “that Jezebel of a woman.” I think that is pretty accurate. That gives us a better understanding.

The Lord emphasizes that He had given her warnings before [verse 21]. We don’t know exactly how that was done. It may have even been through Paul or through John or some other inspired man. The Lord does not indicate. But she refused to “repent;” she and “those who commit adultery with her” refused to change. She is now at the end of the time of trying the Lord’s patience—He will not be patient with her any longer. She is at the end of the time that He has permitted, and judgment is coming upon her and upon those who participate in her “deeds.”

The Lord says that He will bring “death” upon “her children” [verse 23]. There is some discussion about what the Lord actually means here. Does He have in mind her physical family? Did she have children and offspring? Well, that could be—we don’t know. If that’s the case, perhaps that is what the Lord has in mind. Maybe this is similar to the son of that illicit relationship between David and Bathsheba who died [2 Samuel 11]. But more than likely, when the Lord is speaking about “her children,” He is referring to her disciples—those who were following her—those who were involved in these evil activities.