In Jesus's letters to the seven churches of Asia-Minor, He had the most to say to the Christians of Thyatira. Not as much is known about Thyatira as other ancient cities in modern-day Turkey. It was built by one of Alexander the Great's generals, and it was a working city, built on a middle class of laborers who specialized in manufacturing. The majority of its citizens belonged to trade guilds. Jesus alludes to their work ethic in His words to them, “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first” (Revelation 2:19). The Christians in Thyatira were growing in zeal, and He was glad!
However, He was also concerned. The Thyatira Christians tolerated a woman Jesus referred to as "Jezebel." She may have been an actual woman who called herself a prophetess, or "Jezebel" may have been a symbolic name for a system of unsound biblical practices. Either way, this woman taught scandalous doctrines that likely blended Bible teachings with sensual desires. Despite her wayward teachings, Jesus was merciful with her. He gave her time to repent but also warned of the consequences of her rebellion.
Thankfully, not all Christians in Thyatira had gone astray. Many remained faithful in the midst of ridicule and persecution, and Jesus encouraged them. "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations" (Revelation 2:26). These are words of encouragement to Christians in any age! Ridicule and persecution, refusal to unite with Jezebels, being thrown out of churches for remaining true and faithful, becoming cast-a-ways in society — nothing will silence Christ's followers, and one day Christ will reward them with the privilege of ruling.
Christ's words to Thyatira Christians can be applied throughout Christian history. The oppressive church of the Middle Ages frequently blended pagan and material beliefs with biblical teachings, producing doctrines that preyed upon the superstitions of the people. They taught believers to worship dead saints, and they venerated the pagan day of worship, Sunday, in place of the Biblical Sabbath. Scholars elevated the beliefs of Greek philosophers and mingled their ideas with Scripture to create doctrines like purgatory and eternal torment of the wicked. Where Thyatiran laborers might be tempted to believe that their works could save them, the medieval church directly emphasized spiritual works — viewing relics, praying to saints, participating in sacraments, infant baptism, purchasing indulgences, even self-abuse by starvation, whipping, and social isolation. The spacious cathedrals of the Middle Ages, and many celebrated medieval works of art, were paid for with the profits these teachings extracted from the poor — people who were merely trying to purchase their salvation as the church taught.1
Yet the faithful remained, just as they did in Thyatira. Despite the darkness, they refused to compromise. An estimated 50 million of them gave their lives for their beliefs. John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, Martin Luther, and many other godly men and women spent years translating Scripture from Latin into the common language of their countrymen. Countless other individuals distributed these copies. These faithful men and women labored hard for the Lord, and their zeal for Him only increased as the years went by!2
Call to Action
The Christians of Thyatira bear lessons for us today as well. Many Christians still live with the threat of persecution, even to the point of sacrificing their lives. Yet in safer parts of the world, we are willing to compromise our beliefs because it's "easier," or it's considered rude to disagree. Take a moment to reflect on your decisions. Are you standing up for Jesus even when it's difficult or uncomfortable? Jesus knew we would face hard decisions, and He kindly provided warnings and promises. Are you cherishing something because it's more convenient than what Christ has asked? If so, let it go! Surrender and claim the promises Jesus offered to the Christians of Thyatira. As the hymn says, "E'en though the path I may not see, / Yet, Jesus, let me walk with Thee." Won't you take this opportunity to overcome the temptation to compromise?
Read Revelation 2:18-29 in full and then reflect on the following questions:
- What specific deeds does Jesus praise some of the Christians of Thyatira for? See Revelation 2:19.
- Like these Christians, what were other instances of people who were growing in their love for Jesus, showing it by their works? See Mark 16:42-43, Luke 19:1-10, and Acts 2:42-47.
- What specific rebukes does Jesus have for other Christians in Thyatira? See Revelation 2:20-23.
- Read the story of Jezebel in 1 Kings 19:1-3 and 1 Kings 21. What character traits did she have, and how did these character traits make their way into the church? See Revelation 2:20.
- Jesus loved Jezebel and the countless other individuals who were corrupting the church. By warning them, what was He trying to do? See Revelation 2:21 and 2 Peter 3:9.
- What does Christ promise to those that overcome the temptations around them? See Revelation 2:25-29.
- When you are facing temptation, what additional promises does Jesus give you? See 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 4:13, and Hebrews 2:17-18.
- Who is the “morning star” mentioned in Revelation 22:28? See 2 Peter 2:19 and Revelation 22:19.
- How do you think these promises encouraged the Christians of Thyatira? What are some of promises that you can encourage yourself with when you are going through a difficult time?
Information about Time to Get Ready Ministries
The world is in turmoil. People are looking for answers. Jesus wants to come, but people have not been ready. We are an online magazine that publishes weekday articles to encourage, enlighten and empower people to get ready, so Jesus can come.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
- For more information, see Amazing Facts’ Documentary, “The Bride, the Beast & Babylon” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDKG_WFLUi4
- Taken from: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/christian-persecution-by-the-numbers/
