Text: Revelation 2:18-29
We turn this morning to consider Thyatira, the overly tolerant church. It was situated about 60Km South East of Pergamum.
TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA
It was originally built as a military outpost. Its sole purpose was to delay the advance of an army approaching Pergamum long enough so that Pergamum could organize their defences. With the more peaceful conditions brought about through Rome, Thyatira started to flourish as a manufacturing and marketing centre. Archaeological digs have revealed a large number of trade guilds in the town.
- CHRIST’S COMMENDATION – In vrs 19 the risen Christ has the following encouraging words to write to the church at Thyatira. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Christ is described as the one with eyes of blazing fire. These all-seeing eyes commends the church for doing more than they had done at first. They had not fallen into the trap of Ephesus and lost their first love. This was a church that was devoted serving Christ. Here was a church that had learned the lesson of the basin and towel that Jesus modelled at the Last Supper. After washing the disciples’ feet Christ said, go and do likewise. The church at Thyatira mastered this lesson.
- CHRIST’S CRITICISM (vrs 20-25) – One verse of commendation is followed by five verses of criticism. They were overly tolerant. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. There was a woman in the church in Thyatira who called herself a prophetess and was in danger of leading the faithful astray. She is called Jezebel because of her similarity with the notorious Jezebel in the OT. What could Jezebel have been teaching in Thyatira? We have already seen that there were a large number of trade guilds in Thyatira. There were wool guilds, linen guilds, dying, tanners, bronze smiths and guilds for potters. Each of these guilds had their patron god. The problem believers faced was basically this. If they were to keep their jobs they had to belong to the guild. But if they belonged to the guild, they would have to attend festivals at the temple of the patron god of their guild which would have involved acknowledging the patron god. After the meal, the gross sexual antics started. What should Christians do? Walk out!! In so doing they would likely become the target of suspicion and most likely lose their jobs. The alternative was to cave in. Into this confusion strode Jezebel who basically encouraged believers to fully participate in the guild activities. It seems that some of the believers were being swept away by her false teaching. Christ accuses his church of tolerating this woman who was leading many astray. In verse 22 if the church failed to muzzle this woman the Lord threatened fearful things. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. Since Jezebel profaned the bed of true love she would be pinned to the bed of sickness.
- CHRIST’S COMFORT (vrs 26, 27) – The clouds of judgment are hovering and are about to break on their heads. But every cloud has a silver lining. Faithful overcomers will be rewarded. Firstly, in vrs 26 Christian overcomers are promised a share in Christ’s authority over the nations. It is almost as if Christ is saying. “At the moment, the trade guilds might be oppressing you and faithfulness to me, might cost you your job very soon the tables will be turned and the boot will be on the other foot.” Secondly, in vrs 27 faithful overcomers are promised the morning star. In Rev. 22:16 we read, I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. The promise that is offered to loyal Christians is Christ himself. This is the point behind Psalm 73:23-26, yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.