Holding Fast
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. - Revelation 2:18-29
Jesus introduces His message to Thyatira with imagery of blazing eyes and burnished bronze feet, representing divine judgment. Despite this sobering opening, He commends them for their outstanding spiritual growth and abundant works of love, faith, and perseverance.
However, a severe problem threatened their progress. Jesus rebukes Thyatira for tolerating false teachings from a woman, “Jezebel”, who encouraged immorality and idolatry. Though she called herself a prophetess, her doctrines came straight from Satan. Tragically, her deception had corrupted some believers.
This grave spiritual and moral compromise stirred Jesus to warn of impending judgment striking Thyatira unless they repented. Those misled by this false prophetess had been given time to turn from her wickedness, confirming God's patience toward sinners. But they refused, and judgment inevitably follows unrepentant sin.
While condemning the works of Jezebel and her followers, Jesus encourages those untainted by her teaching to hold fast. He imposes no burden beyond rejecting her immorality and dishonesty. Those who keep Christ's works to the end will receive authority, inheriting the eternal morning star.
Thyatira clearly warns about how even exemplary churches can be turned astray through false teaching. Our enemy actively seeks to introduce destructive doctrines that seem plausible. We must have spiritual discernment to recognise Satan's lies and reject them before they take root.
While extending patience toward those deceived, we must also take sin seriously, as we discussed with the church of Pergamos. Flirting with sexual immorality and idolatry carries grave consequences. May the sobering words to Thyatira drive us back to Biblical truth and righteous living.
As this letter closes, Jesus reminds us to hear what His Spirit is saying to the churches. Sin tolerating false prophets will not go unpunished. But those who stand firm in the truth, walking in purity and obedience, will share in Christ's eternal victory and reign. May we be counted among them!