Thyatira: Conformation and Excessive Toleration (Revelation 2:18-29)
The book of Revelation was originally addressed to a church afflicted, persecuted and decimated by a formidable, extremely cruel and apparently invincible enemy: the Roman Empire. As “atheists,” rebellious Christians, were punished, imprisoned and killed unless they renounced their faith.
It is therefore appropriate that the first vision of Revelation is of the glorious, powerful and victorious Christ (Revelation 1:9-18), dressed as a high priest, standing in the middle of the seven churches of Asia (1:20); his voice was like a trumpet and like the sound of many waters (Exodus 19:16; Ezekiel 43:2), with his white hair enhancing his dignity and his eyes like a flame of fire indicating his absolute knowledge of everything and everyone (2:18; 19:12). His feet were like polished bronze, capable of crushing his enemies, and in his right hand he had seven stars, which were the angels of the seven churches of Asia (1:20; 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14). Out of his mouth came a long, sharp, cutting sword (Hebrews 4:12) and his face was resplendent, like the sun when it shines in its strength. John said that when he saw him, he “fell at his feet as though dead.” No wonder!
This impressive vision of Christ was clearly an encouragement for the church, but also a warning. Christians had to reject the temptation to conform to the behavior and customs of this world (Romans 12:2). Five of the seven churches in Asia were called to repentance (chapters 2-3), including Thyatira. This city was known for its trade of different goods and for its numerous trade unions. William Barclay refers to them in his commentary on Revelation:
From inscriptions discovered we learn that it had an extraordinary number of trade guilds. These were associations for mutual profit and pleasure of people employed in certain trades. There were guilds of workers in wool, leather, linen and bronze, makers of outer garments, dyers, potters, bakers and slave-dealers.[1]
A person aspiring to carry out some type of trade in Thyatira had to become a member of the corresponding guild or union. This represented a problem for Christians because each of these guilds had its patron god whom they worshiped. So, Christians—on principle—could not be part of them. However, the pressure was great, and some people in the church were in favor of them, including sister Jezebel: “Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols” (2:20).
Christ had been patient with Jezebel, hoping that she would perhaps repent, but she didn't (v. 21). So, she will be severely punished: “So, I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” (vv. 22-23)
To the faithful, Christ said: “Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, “I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come,” (vv. 24-25).
What do we learn?
Christ is alive and present among His church. He knows us well and has the power to help us overcome our spiritual challenges but will not tolerate persistent disobedience.
Very often, conforming to worldly behavior is connected with our source of income.
Fear of rejection or ridicule can cause us to remain silent in situations that demand that we speak.
Tolerance has a limit, especially when the collective identity of the community is at stake.