Scripture: Revelation 2:18–29
Thyatira (modern Akhisar) was a trade center known for its crafts and guilds. Jesus praised the believers’ love, service, and endurance—but rebuked them for allowing corruption and immorality to spread within the church through false prophets.
Why It Matters:
Thyatira represents churches that are active and loving but tolerate sin or false teaching in the name of acceptance.
Lesson:
Spiritual love must be accompanied by purity. True faith doesn’t compromise with sin but seeks repentance and holiness.
The letter to Thyatira in the book of Revelation (2:18-29) praises the church for its love, faith, service, and perseverance, noting its growth. However, it sternly rebukes the church for tolerating a false prophetess named Jezebel who encourages sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols. Jesus warns of judgment for those who follow her teachings unless they repent, while promising a reward for those who remain faithful, including authority over nations and the morning star.
Compliments given to the church
Praiseworthy deeds: The church is commended for its love, faith, service, and perseverance.
Growth: Its latter deeds are stated to be greater than the first, indicating growth in Christ-like qualities.
Rebuke and warning
Toleration of false teaching: The main criticism is that the church tolerates "that woman Jezebel," who claims to be a prophetess but leads people astray.
Corrupting influence: She teaches them to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols.
Judgment: Jesus warns that He will cast her on a sickbed and bring great tribulation upon those who commit adultery with her, unless they repent. Her followers' children will also be struck dead.
Reason for judgment: This judgment is to show that He is the one who searches minds and hearts and will repay each person according to their deeds.
Message to the faithful
No other burden: To those who do not follow Jezebel's teaching, Jesus says He will not impose any other burden.
Instruction: They are simply told to "hold on to what you have until I come".
Promise of reward: The faithful who conquer and keep Christ's works until the end will be given authority to rule over nations and will receive the morning star.