THE CHURCHES OF REVELATION BIBLE STUDY | THE CHURCH OF THYATIRA
4. Thyatira — The adulterous Church (Revelation 2:18-29) -- the church that had a false prophetess (2:20).
History of the City:
Thyatira was located in western Asia Minor, about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea, between Pergamos and Sardis. It was not as large or as politically influential as some of the other cities, but it was an important commercial center. Today, it is known as the modern Turkish city of Akhisar.
The city was especially known for its trade guilds, including workers in wool, linen, leather, bronze, and dyeing. Thyatira was famous for its production of purple dye, a valuable and sought-after product in the ancient world. A woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, was from Thyatira and became one of the first converts to Christianity through the ministry of the Apostle Paul. She continued to support and assist them even after they had been imprisoned and later released (Acts 16:13–15, 40).
Because of the strong presence of trade guilds, participation in social and economic life often involved pagan practices, including idol worship and immoral activities connected to guild feasts. This created constant pressure on Christians to compromise their beliefs in order to do business and survive economically.
Although the Bible does not specifically record the founding of the church in Thyatira, it was likely established during the spread of the gospel throughout Asia Minor.
Surrounded by a culture of idolatry and immorality, the church in Thyatira faced the ongoing challenge of remaining faithful to God while living in a compromising environment.
Jesus’ Message to the Church
- Revelation 2:18-19 — “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; 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.”
The letter to Thyatira is the longest of the seven letters to the churches found in the book of Revelation.
The church of Thyatira was known for its love, faith, patience, and good works. They were people who were eager to grow. However, where they fell short was in their doctrine, which had become infiltrated by idolatry, sexual immorality, and pagan traditions.
- Revelation 2:20 — “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.”
Thus far in the churches, we have seen the doctrine of Balaam, the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, and now the teaching of Jezebel. This church is rebuked for tolerating the woman Jezebel.
The story of Jezebel is found in 1 and 2 Kings, and her name became synonymous with gross idolatry. Whether the person mentioned here was an actual individual or a symbolic reference to the Jezebel of the Old Testament, the message is clear: the church must not compromise when it comes to these sins.
Those who were not seduced by her tolerated her instead of confronting and dealing with her false prophecy and her enticement of others to sin.
Church, we must remember that a battle between good and evil was taking place even before man was created. Satan was cast down to the earth from heaven, and there in the garden he tempted Eve. The greatest fall of man began because Adam remained silent (Genesis 3:6).
There are Christians and churches today who feel the need to be tolerant, all-embracing, or silent when it comes to spiritual and moral boundaries. The ancient church in Thyatira must have felt the same way. This church allowed—or ignored—immorality and idolatry in their midst, leading many others away from Jesus Christ. Not speaking against false doctrine is just as deadly as tolerating or embracing it.
From the beginning of time, God has called men to lead their families. Before a man can expect his wife and children to submit to him, he must first submit to God (Ephesians 5:20–33; 6:4). Christ should be the head of the household, and when a man submits to Christ and follows His example, his responsibilities as a husband and father will come into clearer focus. Men should step up and lead in a manner that reflects God’s love.
If you were asked whether your marriage or your children are the higher priority, what would you say? Even if you’ve never considered this question, many parents have struggled at some point with balancing the two. Our number one priority should be growing in our relationship with God. Respecting and supporting our husband comes second, and teaching and training our children comes third. That is God’s order.
If we do not follow God’s order, confusion and rebellion will result. Husbands, wives, and children will constantly be in conflict, each trying to take control.
God’s plan is for children to be trained to be responsible and disciplined. Scripture tells us that “folly is bound up in the heart of a child” (Proverbs 22:15), and we are instructed to train and discipline them (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). Children are commanded to obey their parents and listen to instruction (Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:1–3).
Although women have traditionally fulfilled supportive roles in serving the church and have found great joy and fulfillment as wives and mothers, the feminist movement has influenced many women to move away from these divinely ordained roles. Unfortunately, this influence has reached into the church, creating confusion about the role of women both in the home and in ministry. Any person who abandons or teaches against these roles in the church could potentially fall under the same sin as the Jezebel mentioned in Revelation 2:20.
From the very beginning, women have played a vital role in the Christian church (Acts 1:12–14; 9:36–42; 16:13–15; 17:1–4, 10–12; 18:1–2, 18, 24–28; Romans 16; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 1:5; 4:19), but not one of leadership over men. The apostles were men; the primary missionary work was carried out by men; the New Testament was written by men; and leadership in the early church was entrusted to men.
Although the Apostle Paul respected women and worked alongside them for the advancement of the gospel (Romans 16; Philippians 4:3), he did not appoint female elders or pastors. In his letters, he taught that men were to lead in the church and that women were not to teach or exercise authority over men (1 Timothy 2:12).
Therefore, while women are spiritually equal to men and their ministry is essential to the body of Christ, they are not given authority over men in the church.
The result of the fall, seen throughout history and especially today, has been an ongoing struggle between the sexes—women seeking control and men seeking dominance.
God calls both men and women to fulfill the roles and responsibilities He has designed for them, a pattern that is even reflected within the Godhead (1 Corinthians 11:3). When we walk in these divinely appointed roles, we are able to live in the fullness of God’s design.
Power comes when we surrender to God’s rule and order of things.
What Does Jesus Say to a Church Tolerating sin, immorality and idolatry in its midst, or allowing that woman Jezebel to teach and seduce God’s servants?
- Revelation 2:21 — “And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.”
This verse reveals the mercy and patience of God. He gave her time to repent of her sin, yet she refused. God does not bring judgment without first offering an opportunity for repentance.
GREAT TRIBULATION
- Revelation 2:22 — “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.”
Because she refused to repent, judgment would come. Those who followed her in sin would also face the consequences unless they turned back to God. Christ warned of coming judgment: “I will cast her into a bed.”
Whether this is understood figuratively or literally, it serves as a serious warning. In this day and age, as many have turned away from God’s order, we have seen a rise in broken homes, divorce, single parenthood, and grandparents raising their grandchildren. We have also seen an increase in drug abuse, alcoholism, depression, and suicide.
This may very well reflect the “bed” into which God allows the rebellious to fall. God is holy and will not tolerate rebellion forever. As Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
This shows us that while God is merciful, He is also just. He sees the heart—nothing is hidden from Him. He searches the inner thoughts and motives of every person and will judge accordingly.
Sin that is tolerated and unrepented of will eventually bring judgment. But even in this warning, we see God’s grace — “except they repent.”
The door is still open.
DEATH
- Revelation 2:23 — “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.”
Those referred to as her “children” are those who participate in her immorality and those who have embraced her doctrine.
This is a sobering reminder that God sees beyond outward appearances. He searches the heart and judges according to truth. No sin is hidden from Him, and each person will be held accountable for their works.
MESSAGE TO THE CHRISTIANS
- Revelation 2:24-25 — “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. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”
Jesus encourages those who had remained faithful: “To the rest of you who do not hold to Jezebel’s teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, I will not impose any other burden on you—only hold fast what you have until I come.”
These faithful believers had not fallen into Satan’s trap, and they were simply called to remain steadfast until Jesus’ return.
MESSAGE TO THE CONQUERORS
- Revelation 2:26-28 — “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule over 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. And I will give him the morning star.”
This is a message to those who choose to remain faithful to Christ “until the end”. Christ promised they would have power over the nations to reign and rule with Him - just as He has received from His Father.
And I will give him the morning star - this morning star is Jesus Himself, as Revelation 22:16 reveals: “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
Jesus will give Himself to His people, and they will fellowship with Him forever!
FINAL CALL
- Revelation 2:26-28 — “HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.”
*Personal thought: In the last four churches, the promise to the overcomer comes before the call to hear, as if the Lord is saying, “Here is what comes to those that listen—now listen carefully and respond.”
What It Means
This is Jesus’ closing statement to each of the seven churches. It is not just directed to one church—it is a universal call to all believers.
- “He that hath an ear” → Anyone who is willing to listen
- “Let him hear” → Not just hear, but truly understand and obey
- “What the Spirit saith unto the churches” → The message is from the Holy Spirit and applies to all churches, in all times
The “Final Call” is Jesus saying: “This message is for you—pay attention, take it seriously, and respond.”
It reminds us that:
- These warnings and promises are not just historical
- They apply to us today
- We are responsible for how we respond
Think of it this way: you can have Jezebel or you can have Jesus—but you cannot have both. If you want Jesus, you must turn your back on the teachings of Jezebel and turn your heart fully over to the Lord Jesus Christ.
To sum it up—be careful what you tolerate, be careful what you put up with, and be careful what you compromise. We cannot tolerate or ignore sin in our lives. If we find ourselves committing spiritual adultery, we must repent. If we find ourselves outside of God’s ordained order of authority, then we must repent and submit to those He has placed over us.
Those who overcome Jezebel’s fornication and idolatry are promised that they will rule with Christ in His kingdom. Hold fast, stay in the truth, keep overcoming, keep striving, and continue in His works.
Overcome to the very end, and God says there is a reward—there is a blessing. We can be the children of God with all the wonderful promises that come with it.
So let’s keep going. Let’s continue in His works until the very end, and we can be assured that we will be there at the return of Christ.
Discussion Questions – The Seven Churches of Revelation
2. Are there areas where you have been silent instead of standing for truth?
3. How can we discern false teaching in today’s world?
4. What does spiritual “adultery” look like in a modern context?
5. What does it mean to “hold fast” until Christ returns?
Comments