The Church at Thyatira
"Wait for the Star"
Brian R. Kenyon

John, while on the isle of Patmos, wrote the Book of Revelation. In Chapters 2-3, there are recorded seven letters to the churches of Asia Minor. Although each letter was written to a specific congregation, each is also applicable to us (cf. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches," Rev. 2:29). The third of these letters was written to the church at Thyatira.

Background of the City
Thyatira was situated between two valleys. A major Roman highway ran through the city, which resulted in a prosperous trade business. Although it was not as important as its sister cities, Thyatira was wealthy. The city was perhaps best known for its trade guilds (somewhat comparable to our labor unions). Thyatira had well organized groups of wool workers, linen workers and dyers, leather workers, slave dealers, and bronze smiths. One of Thyatira's best known residents to us was Lydia (Acts 16:14).

Relevance of the Writer
The letter was written by "the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass" (Rev. 2:18 cf. 1:14-15). "Son of God," which occurs only here in Revelation, emphasizes the complete majesty of His person. "Eyes like unto a flame" describes one whose vision penetrates, even into the secret places (cf. Heb. 4:13). Since He sees all, He knows all! "Feet like fine brass" convey strength and quickness. The Christ is quickly and accurately able to pursue all whom He wills. A message from such an one as this needs to be heard by all.

Christ's Evaluation
Christ begins His assessment of the church with His characteristic note of approval. "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" (Rev. 2:19). Christ explains their good works in a series of praiseworthy qualities. This shows that He is concerned with every local church and that nothing is hidden from His knowledge. "Charity [love, NKJ]," the greatest attribute (1 Cor. 13:13), is what motivates service to God (Jn. 14:23-24). "Service" is love in action (1 Jn. 5:2-3). "Faith" is fidelity to Christ and trusting reliance upon Him (Heb. 11:6). "Patience" is steadfast endurance under pressure. It is not something that denotes passively passing time, but it is actively doing God's will in spite of the obstacles and temptations to quit (cf. Rom. 5:3-5; Jas. 1:2-4). In addition to these good spiritual qualities, the Thyatirians consistently progressed so that the "last" was "more than the first." If more congregations today had these qualities, they, like Thyatira, would have much to be commended.

Although Thyatira had some positive qualities, the Son of God pointed out their sin, "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" (Rev. 2:20). Some in Thyatira were tolerating false doctrine (cf. Rev. 2:14-15). "Jezebel" represents opposition to God. She led Ahab to serve Baal (1 Kgs. 16:31), killed the prophets of God (1 Kgs. 18:4), fellowshiped false prophets (1 Kgs. 18:19), and committed "whoredoms" and "witchcrafts" (2 Kgs. 9:22). This "Jezebel" in Thyatira, who claims to be a "prophetess," was misleading Christians. This may have involved the trade guilds in Thyatira. This "Jezebel" seemingly deceived the saints into thinking that it was okay to participate in pagan festivals, a necessary activity to be in good standing with the trade guilds. However, we cannot compromise the faith, even if it results in "bread on the table" (Rom. 6:1-2; 12:1-2). Any "trade guild" today that requires compromise must be abandoned (cf. 2 Cor. 6:14).

The outcome of "Jezebel" and her followers confirms the seriousness of deception and compromise. "Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23And 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" (Rev. 2:22-23). The long suffering of God can end, especially when people do not repent (cf. Rev. 2:21). Those who shared in "Jezebel's bed" must also share in her "tribulation." The goodness of God should lead us to repentance (Rom. 2:4), but when we turn from the truth to follow deception, it becomes difficult to leave the error, so that condemnation is inevitable (cf. Heb. 6:4-6). As members of the church of Christ, we must never condone sin nor compromise the faith (cf. Eph. 5:11; 2 Jn. 9-11; Jude 3).

Christ's Promised Blessing
The Son of God gave three promises to those who overcome. First, Christ would not allow further burden upon them. "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 25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come" (Rev. 2:24-25). Keeping the faith may be difficult, but God never demands more than we can handle (Acts 15:28-29; Phil. 4:13; 1 Jn. 5:3). Second, Christ promised vindication and triumph with Him. "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27And he shall rule 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" (Rev. 2:26-27). Those who overcome have been raised with Christ to sit with Him (Eph. 2:6); thus, the overcomers reign with Him (Rom. 5:17; Rev. 5:9-10). Third, to the one who overcomes, Jesus, said, "And I will give him the morning star" (Rev. 2:28). The "morning star" can be a sign of triumph or assurance of a new day, but it can also refer to Christ (cf. Rev. 22:16). The coming of Christ makes this world's struggles pale away into insignificance (Rom. 8:18). We are given the same promises if we overcome (Rev. 2:29). May God give us the patience to wait for the "Star."

1 The titles designating the churches in this series of bulletin articles are adapted from Ray Summers, Worthy Is the Lamb (Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1951), 108-124.