The Corrupted Church

We are now at the fourth church in the Book of Revelation, the Church of Thyatira. Many historians believe Lydia may have been instrumental in bringing the Gospel to her hometown, Thyatira, after being converted by Paul in Philippi, where she had a thriving business selling purple cloth to the wealthy. Thyatira, which is the modern-day city of Akishar in Turkiye (Turkey), was located on an important trade route between Pergamum and Sardis. This was a city known for its trade, with numerous guilds connected to many different patron gods. This may have influenced the church, resulting in it being morally corrupted. Therefore, Jesus had another stern warning for this church.

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—  as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ Revelation 2:18-29

Note that it was stated that this letter was written by the “Son of God,” not the “Son of Man.”  It was clear that divine authority came with this letter. Elliot’s Commentary for English Readers expounds on how Jesus is portrayed to the Church of Thyatira.

The message which is sent to the Christians dwelling among them is from “the Son of God.” This is noteworthy, when we remember how persistently the other term, “Son of Man,” is used throughout the Book of Revelation, and that here only is the phrase “Son of God” used; but it suits, as does the whole description, the message which breathes the language of sovereignty and righteous sternness. The “eyes of flame” will search the reins and the hearts (Revelation 2:23); the “feet of fine brass” will tread down the enemies, and smooth the path before them, who will have power over the nations.

The “Son of God” was serious. He was not playing around with this church. He meant business, and they had to do some house cleaning. Similar to a couple of the other churches that we have previously looked at, the Church of Thyatira had both good and bad characteristics. Jesus knew their works and was impressed, especially by the last ones they did. He also commended them for their love, service, faith, and patience. However, there was a big problem. Jezebel was a prophetess in their church. I don’t think the extremely evil wife of King Ahab somehow came back to life, and that  this wicked woman was now among the church leaders. This was a different Jezebel, and it may not even have been her real name. But she was just as devious and destructive as Israel’s sinful queen. This Jezebel brought false teachings into the church, more than likely saying that it was from the Lord, which subsequently led its members to indulge in sexually immoral behavior and to eat things sacrificed to idols. To say Jesus was mad would be an understatement. He gave her time to repent, but she didn’t. So His wrath was going to be unleashed on her and whoever committed adultery with her, if they didn’t repent. He was going to kill her children, who may have been the product of her adulterous shenanigans or spiritual children who followed in her wayward ways. No matter who they were, the “Son of God” was going to make sure that not only the Church of Thyatira, but every other church understood that He knows what’s going on in their hearts and minds. No one can hide from God.

I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:10

Jesus knew exactly what each person in the church was doing, and He could search their hearts and test their minds, so they would be judged accordingly. Thankfully, not everyone in the Church of Thyatira held on to Jezebel’s doctrine, and they also did not know the depths of Satan where Jezebel would have led her followers. Therefore, Jesus encouraged them to hold on to their faith, and if they overcame and kept doing the Lord’s work until the end, He would give them power over the nations.

That is not just a promise for the early church. It is a promise for all of us in today’s church. God is going to judge us according to our deeds, thoughts, and words. Remember, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. God knows what’s going on with us, so if we recognize that we are not doing His works and our thoughts are not pleasing to Him, then we had better repent and get right with Him, or else we might receive a punishment in the end, which we would prefer not to. We must also be careful not to follow everyone who declares, “Thus says the Lord,” as they may give us a contaminated word that might make us get acquainted with the “depths of Satan.” That is not a desirable place, so it is best to keep away from anyone who would corrupt the church and make sure that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith; that we, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that we may be filled with all the fullness of God (see Ephesians 3:17-19).