Nov 08, 2020

Revelation 2:18-29

Revelation 2:18-29, “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.”’

Of the seven cities in this region of Asia Minor Jesus addresses, Thyatira was the least impressive. The city was located 35-miles southeast of Pergamos and constructed roughly 50-miles from the Aegean Sea. The area was mainly rural and agriculturally centered. 

Recent archeological digs reveal Thyatira was really more of a marketplace than any kind of real metropolis. In fact, the only notable contribution Thyatira made to antiquity was the manufacturing of a rare purple dye used in the scarlet clothing of the aristocratic class.

Beyond this, Thyatira was known for her powerful trade guilds. One historian writes, “Among the ancient ruins of the city, inscriptions have been found relating to the guild of dyers in the city. Indeed, more guilds are known in Thyatira than any other contemporary city in the Roman province of Asia. Inscriptions mention wool-workers, linen-workers, dyers, leather-workers, tanners, potters, bakers, slave-dealers, and bronze-smiths.”

The only other Biblical mention of Thyatira is found in Acts 16. Paul had landed in Philippi and since there was no Synagogue in the city “on the Sabbath day” Luke records how they “went out to the riverside, where prayer was made.” Then as he often did, Paul “sat down and spoke to the women who met there” sharing with them the wonderful news of the Gospel message. Luke recounts how “a woman named Lydia, who worshipped God, heard” and “the Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.” What’s notable is that Luke adds this woman Lydia “was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira.”

As the tiniest of these seven cities, we can reason this church community was also the smallest and least significant. While some believe Lydia played a role in the formation of this church, the truth is we have no idea how this church began. In fact, people likely wondered why Jesus even bothered sending a letter to a church located in Thyatira.

It’s also worth noting that historically we have no record of Caesar worship occurring in Thyatira nor do we have any Scriptural reference of Christian persecution, trials, or tribulations facing this church. Unlike the others, in Thyatira, believers were not experiencing outside opposition! And yet, it’s interesting that Jesus’ letter to the smallest church ends up being the longest! As we’ll see, Jesus had a TON to say to this particular church! 

Addressing the substance of this letter in its literal presentation, it’s clear this church in Thyatira had some serious problems that were deeply concerning. Sure, in verse 19, Jesus commends them for their “works, love, service, faith, and patience” even adding their “works” were increasing in measure. He says, “The last were more than the first.”

And yet, the problem Jesus had with this church was that she’d “allowed” a self-proclaimed “prophetess” named “Jezebel” to come in “to teach and seduce His servants to commit sexual immorality” and idolatry by “eating things sacrificed to idols” — likely things associated with the mandatory social occasions connected with the trade guilds. To their determent, this church had failed to heed Jesus’ exhortation in Matthew 7:15 to “beware of false prophets, who come in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

While we do not know if Jesus was specifically naming this woman or that in using this infamous Old Testament name “Jezebel” He was seeking to illustrate the depths of her depravity, there is no reason we should not take what Jesus is saying in this letter as being a literal rebuke of an actual woman running around this church doing harm.

In fact, it’s interesting when you study some of the original Greek manuscripts, this phrase “that woman Jezebel” is also translated as either “your woman Jezebel” or “your wife Jezebel.” When you taking into account the letter is addressed to “the angel of the church in Thyatira” or the pastor, this evil woman may have very well been the pastor’s wife!

Regarding such people who deliberately led the children of God astray, Jesus had strong things to say! In Mark 9:42 Jesus was clear that “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” While this explains the strong language used in this letter to describe how He’d handle this woman, it really is amazing that, according to verse 21, Jesus still graciously “gave” her “time to repent of her sexual immorality.”

That said, by the time this letter arrives and is read in their assembly, because “Jezebel” still hadn’t repented of her sin, Jesus pronounces a judgment! Beginning in verse 22, He declares, “I will cast her into a sickbed” and “will kill her children with death.” Jesus then says, regarding “those who commit adultery with her,” that they’d also face a “great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.” There is no doubting the fact Jesus took the actions of this woman seriously and was prepared to deal with the problem decisively!

While this church was on a crash course that appeared inevitable, Jesus does single out a faithful remnant who’d not been led astray by this woman. For these folks, Jesus has a particular word of exhortation. In verse 24, Jesus says, “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.”

The way Jesus frames these instructions leaves us with the impression the fate of this church had been sealed — an unavoidable reckoning was on the horizon. Regarding the few who rejected the “doctrine” of Jezebel and therefore had “not know the depths of Satan,” Jesus simply encourages them to “hold fast what they have till He comes.” This church was corrupt. It wasn’t going to change. So just hold on and endure till His coming.

While it’s important we initially read these letters in the literal context of Jesus addressing an actual church located in the city of Thyatira at the end of the first century, it is equally true a greater understanding of what Jesus is articulating is discovered when you read and interpret the letter through the lens of a particular movement within Church History.

Before we get into this, let me transition by making two important disclosures: First, the present tense of the letter indicates the period of Church History this letter to Thyatira intended to address is still in existence today. We also know this to be the case because of Jesus’ warnings to this church reference two events that haven’t happened yet. In verse 22, Jesus mentions “great tribulation.” And then, in verse 25, He cites His coming (the Rapture of the Church) as being the motivation for the faithful to “hold fast.”

Secondly, and it’s very important I say this up front, though this letter will speak to a period of history we know as Roman Catholicism, not every Roman Catholic is guilty of the things Jesus addresses! While a plurality may be guilty, I can say with complete confidence there are many wonderful Roman Catholics who are genuine followers of Jesus. 

If fact, the letter itself substantiates this reality. Remember, Jesus will not only accuse this woman “Jezebel” of seducing “His servants” which spoke of a personal relationship, but He also promises to place onto the faithful within this church who “do not have this doctrine… no other burden” — except that they “hold fast what they have till He comes!”

Last Sunday, in our examination of the church of Pergamos and the Byzantine period of history she represented, I noted how under Emperor Constantine and through the Edict of Milan the persecuted church had become a church of privilege! Sadly, while this church enjoyed the protection and financial support of the State, over time the influence of the Roman Emperor slowly transitioned into more power and control over the church.

By 380 AD, this growing flirtation between the Church and State would ultimately lead to an unholy union when Emperor Theodosius issued the Edict of Thessalonica ordering “all subjects of the Roman Empire to poses the faith of the bishops of Rome and Alexandria.” 

In this moment whereby the Church and State merged, everyone was now required to be a Christian. As a result, what we call the catholic or universal church immediately became the Roman Catholic Church led by the Emperor and in whose power ultimately resided with the Bishop of the Church in Rome — this Bishop would later become known as the Pope. 

In Jesus’ letter to Pergamos, it’s evident the favor of the State had made the church susceptible to both institutional corruption as well as moral and theological compromise. Tragically, in this letter, it’s apparent these trends continued unabated and only worsened. 

In the substance of Jesus’ letter to these believers in Thyatira, it’s shocking to see how far the church had fallen from her purpose. The Bride of Christ had become a whore! If you take some time to study the origins of the Roman Catholic Church, it will not take you long to discover the horrid tails of her extreme sexual immorality and blatant, overt idolatry.

For the sake of time, I’m going to forgo providing any specific examples, other than to say, historically, because this State Church was no longer a light unto the world, the world itself plunged headlong into a period we describe as being The Dark Ages!

In viewing this letter as Jesus addressing the Roman Catholic Church in addition to this church in Thyatira, let’s reexamine the things Jesus commends her for in this context. In verse 19, He says, “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience.” 

The truth of the matter is, by in large, the Roman Catholic Church has used her immense power, privilege, and wealth to do good work throughout the entire world! The Catholic Church has been faithful to love people, demonstrate charity, and serve their community. 

Jesus also points out at the end of verse 19, “As for your works, the last are more than the first.” Again, as a fact of history, beginning in 380 AD and continuing all the way up to the present time, the Roman Catholic Church has grown in both her influence and charity. 

Even during The Dark Ages, it was still the Roman Catholic Church that yielded most of the notable advances in art, culture, education, medical research, science, etc. Today, the church invests incredible amounts of money into schools, orphanages, higher learning, and hospitals. The truth is the Catholic Church is the largest global charity.

In just the United States alone the Roman Catholic Church provides daily food services for approximately 7 million people. They have 2.6 million students enrolled in over 7,000 elementary schools and in over 1,300 high schools. Before the pandemic, it’s estimated that around 720,000 students were enrolled in some 230 Catholic colleges and universities. 

In America, there are 629 Catholic hospitals which represent 12.6% of the national total. Today, 1 in 6 medical patients in the United States are assisted by the Catholic Church. To their credit, Catholic healthcare systems and facilities are present in all 50 states providing acute care, hospice services, home health, assisted living, and senior housing. 

Though it’s incredibly difficult to pin down an exact amount, according to recent estimates by The Economist, the Catholic Church spends around $170 billion annually across the world. It should come as no surprise Jesus would commend this church for her works!

And yet, in spite of all of these commendable things, Jesus has a really challenging and provocative criticism! Again, look back at verse 20, “Nevertheless I have a few things against you… you allow (are presently allowing) that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols!” More specifically, in verse 22, Jesus will actually describe the end result of these things as this church “committing” spiritual “adultery” against Him!

The story of this evil woman Jezebel can be found in 1 Kings 16-21 as well as 2 Kings 9. Admittedly, Jezebel would have never been an Old Testament character if it hadn’t been for the unholy marriage that occurred been herself and the Hebrew King Ahab. While God forbid His people from marrying those of the surrounding Gentile nations, in an act of political expediency, Ahab took Jezebel the daughter of the King of Sidon as his wife. 

You see God knew the inherent dangers that always surfaced when His people intermarried with these pagan nations who did not share the same moral compass. As Paul would warn in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: evil company corrupts good habits.” 

As would be expected, it didn’t take long for Queen Jezebel to influence King Ahab and lead the people of God into the worship of Baal. In fact, during this time Jezebel would act as a self-proclaimed prophetess and apologist for this pagan deity. She not only built high places of worship all throughout Israel, but she persecuted the true prophets of God.

While the worship of Baal was fundamentally idolatry in the eyes of God, the worship itself necessitated two key things. To appease Baal and gain his favor, human works and human sacrifice were required. As one example of this, in 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah challenges the priests of Baal to a cook-off. For an entire day, in their attempts to get Baal to send down fire from heaven, we’re told they danced, prayed, cried aloud, and cut themselves all to no avail. In contrast, Elijah prayed and God sent down fire which consumed his altar.

Beyond being a works-based model, Baal worship also incorporated the grotesque practice of human sacrifice. One historian notes, “Baal worship was indulgent with regard to sexual mysticism on the one hand, but overly strict, harsh, and severe on the other hand with regard to ascetic practices, with occasional bouts of human sacrifice along the way.”

Because Jezebel exerted tremendous control through her marriage, in turn, she was able to influence the entire moral direction of the nation. 1 Kings 21:25 we read, “There was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up.” It’s not an accident the word “Baal” means lord or husband. You see through her position Jezebel was able to seduce God’s wife (Israel) into an adulterous affair.

While in its local context we understand Jesus was addressing an actual woman running around this church located in Thyatira, in the letters broader application concerning Roman Catholicism, by invoking the name of this evil woman “Jezebel,” Jesus was describing characteristics of the very system that facilitated their spiritual adultery. 

Historically, like Jezebel, we know Roman Catholicism was the result of an unholy marriage between God’s Church and the Roman State. Instead of relying on Jesus as the Groom to care for her needs, protect, and cherish, out of political expediency, the Church climbed into bed with the State. Not only did this union open the Church up to powerfully corrosive influences, but moral compromise and concessions quickly resulted. 

Sadly, once in power, this State-Run, Roman Catholic Church instituted a religious system based, like the worship of Baal, upon works and human sacrifice! Not only would anyone who challenged Catholic norms find themselves enemies of the State, but during this time the Good News of salvation by grace through faith was exchanged for a salvation that demanded personal works, increased piety, and procurements to regain sanctity.

 

Instead of Jesus’ work on the cross being more than enough, Catholicism added to Christ’s work a list of essential sacraments. Additionally, the sufficiency of one High Priest (Jesus) was substituted by the necessity of a human priesthood. In a stark example of idolatry, Mary as well as other saints could now provide the same access to the throne room of heaven as Jesus. The word of a Pope stood on par with the authority of God’s Word. 

Because of the unholy marriage of the Church and State along with the various theological perversions that naturally manifested, in this letter, Jesus finds Roman Catholicism guilty of the same evil of Jezebel only this time with regards to His Bride — the Church!

As Jesus has done with each of these letters, the way in which He introduces Himself to the church is significant. In the case of Thyatira, back in verse 18, Jesus begins, “These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass!” 

Because His rebuke of this church will be so incredibly harsh and forward, it’s not an accident that, before He says anything to them, He wants them to remember Who it was doing the speaking. He says, “These things” you’re about to hear, “says the Son of God.” Note: This is the only time in the entire Book of Revelation Jesus is called the “Son of God.” 

While in chapter 1 Jesus revealed Himself as the “Son of Man” stressing His relatability, the phrase “Son of God” emphasizes His divinity. Regarding this church mired in idolatry and in the act of committing spiritual adultery, Jesus wants them to remember He’s God!

Aside from this, Jesus also reveals Himself to them as the One having “eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass.” This church needed to see the fire in the eyes of Jesus. He was as passionate for them as He was perceptive about them. Again, before Jesus says anything, He wants this church to know His judgments were sure and completely righteous!

With His person in mind and the wickedness percolating throughout this church as our context, there should be no surprise Jesus drops the hammer in verse 21. Concerning the system we know as Roman Catholicism, Jesus says, “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.” 

It’s a provocative thought but while Jesus had given this Roman Catholic Church ample time to repent of her sin, He affirms this system would never change her ways. Because this was the sad reality of the situation, Jesus lays out the consequences. 

In verse 22, He begins by saying, “I will cast her into a sickbed.” In that day a “sickbed” was a couch on which the dying were carried. The phrase “will cast” is passive simply meaning to let go of a thing. Understand, Jesus is not saying He will strike her with sickness, but that this sickness would be the natural byproduct of her sinful choices. Jesus is warning this church a point will come when He lets go of them.

He then adds, “I will cast her into great tribulation.” Again, in the context of this being the Roman Catholic Church, on account of her spiritual adultery, Jesus says He will allow her to experience “great tribulation.” In Greek, this phrase translated “great tribulation” implies the greatest of all tribulations with regard to rank. It’s my opinion because Jesus no longer views the Roman Catholic Church as being His Bride, they will not be Raptured, and end up left behind to experience “great tribulation… unless they repent of their deeds.” 

In verse 23, Jesus says, “I will kill her children with death.” It’s interesting Jesus says “her children” obfuscating all parental responsibility. Jesus does not consider those born through this religious system as being part of His family. They are not His children but the bastard offspring of an adulterous affair. While the phrase “I will kill” comes across as harsh, in the original language it means to deprive one of life — in context, spiritual life.

Concerning this judgment, Jesus says, “I will give to each one according to your works.” Keep in mind, the judgment of God is always measured “according to your works.” It’s always proportional. While hell is the destination as it’s impossible for a sinner to provide permanent atonement for sin, the depths of one’s depravity will be factored in by a just God. You will receive a judgment “according to your works.” Please know religious works only enable a person to climb the moral ladder of a hell that will never reach into heaven!

Again, it’s important to point out, in the context of this heavy message, not everyone in Roman Catholicism receives the same criticism or warning… Verse 24, “Now to the rest, 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.” 

Jesus affirms that, while the Roman Catholic Church may be institutionally corrupt and guilty of spiritual adultery, there is a faithful remnant in her midst. And it’s to these people Jesus specifically encourages to “hold fast what they have till He comes.” Additionally, He promises to “him who overcomes (this religious system of spiritual idolatry and immorality), and keeps My works until the end” He would “give power over the nations” and “the morning star.” In Revelation 22:16, Jesus defines Himself as the “Morning Star.”

In light of this difficult message presented in this letter, we need to take some time to address what Jesus is saying to our church and by extension The Church as well as what He wants each of us to specifically take away as individuals! 

First, not everyone who thinks they’re a Christian is actually a Christian! The stark and challenging reality is that Thyatira presents a church filled with people who (while doing all kinds of wonderful things in the name of Christ) were in actuality self-deceivers!

In line with this idea, Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

While doing Christian works may foster the perception of being a Christian, these things do not make you Christian any more than walking around on all fours, eating out of a bowl, drinking from a toilet, sleeping on the floor, and barking at the moon makes you a dog!

Secondly, the Church must always resist any Groom but Jesus. As the church, we find ourselves living in interesting days and it’s so easy in the presence of such uncertainty to see a party, politician, or political action network as being our great protector. We must actively reject this! Christian, as the Bride of Jesus Christ we have but one lover, one protector, one provider, one husband. Never forget the lessons of history, when the Church gets into bed with the State her power is zapped and the world plunged into darkness.

Finally, any religious system that substitutes faith in His work on the cross for one based on our works is considered by Jesus to spiritual adultery. It should not be understated the way in which Jesus views the religious system we know as Roman Catholicism — “that woman Jezebel!” He sees her as a competing groom attempting to woo away the affection of His Bride! Friend, Jesus sees any religious system by which Christians seek to appease God or earn and maintain His favor and blessing through our works, and sacrifices are facilitating spiritual adultery!

Though Jesus references the moral failings of this Church when He mentions their “sexual immorality and idolatry,” it’s interesting to me the counsel Jesus provides at the end of His letter… While Jesus initially commended this church for their “works,” He exhorts the faithful to “keep His works until the end.” In Greek, this word translated “keep” doesn’t mean to obey as in a command or directive, but rather to guard something of importance.

While it’s true sin separates fallen humanity from his Maker, I hope you know sin does not separate a Christian from God. I know that sounds odd and maybe even controversial but even Paul would attest in Romans 8:39 that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!”

You see what makes sin in the life of a Christian alarming is not that it separates that person from God — the wages of your sin have been satisfied by the blood of Christ permanently reconciling you with God… Instead, what makes sin alarming is that it reveals a separation is already taking place! 

This is why, in the context of this church and their spiritual adultery, Jesus also brings up idolatry! The fact is all human behavior is the manifestation of inner causation — meaning spiritual adultery against Jesus doesn’t occur in a void or vacuum. In the physical realm we know adultery always steams from either a problematic marital relationship or a spouse whose interest has waned. This is why few honeymooners commit adultery.

Think of it this way… Sinful behaviors do not separate a believer from God any more than righteous works draw the believer any closer to Him. Instead, sin in the life of a believer reveals that a dangerous separation from God is currently underway. Again, outward behaviors always manifest from inward causation! 

Let me provide an example to illustrate this point… Contrary to the conventional opinion, living in sexual sin doesn’t create a distance in your relationship with God. Instead, sexual sin is the evidence a distance in your relationship with God has already developed. The flip-side is true… Purity and holy living do not draw a person closer to God. Instead, they are the evidence you’re currently enjoying an intimate relationship with Jesus.

So why is this important? Seeing sin as a symptom and not the problem has a profound implication for how you then seek to remedy the problem. It’s simply a truth that when outward sin is seen as the problem, outward works becomes the solution. That said, when sin is seen correctly as being the symptom of an internal separation from God, the solution is much different… Return to Jesus and dive back into that relationship (grace)! As Jesus writes, “I will put on you no other burden but hold fast what you have till I come.”

Christian, when your heart wanders, it should be “His works” that draw you back to Him! Never forget… What Jesus has done for you matters way more than anything you do for Him. When we were a mess Jesus loved us enough to clean us up and make us His Bride! “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”