(Revelation 2:18-29)
The study of Thyatira, the fourth church in Revelation, is essential to understanding how spiritual corruption creeps into God’s church and the consequences of tolerating false teachings. In this study, we will:
Identify the historical and prophetic significance of Thyatira.
Understand the role of Jezebel as a false prophetess who led God’s people into apostasy.
Recognize how these lessons apply today and learn how to remain faithful.
Claim the promises given to the overcomers in this prophetic message.
Before we begin, let us reflect on this prayer thought from Ellen G. White:
"On the Sabbath," Luke [declared], "we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened." Lydia received the truth gladly. She and her household were converted and baptized, and she entreated the apostles to make her house their home.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 212. {RC 343.2}
God's Spirit can only enlighten the understanding of those who are willing to be enlightened. We read that God opened the ears of Lydia, so that she attended to the message spoken by Paul. To declare the whole counsel of God and all that was essential for Lydia to receive--this was the part Paul was to act in her conversion; and then the God of all grace exercised His power, leading the soul in the right way. God and the human agent cooperated, and the work was wholly successful.--The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1062. {RC 343.3}
“These things saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass.”
Christ appears as the all-seeing Judge, ready to purify and refine His people.
“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.”
The church had faithful believers with love, service, and endurance in their faith.
“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.”
Jezebel represents a corrupt religious system that infiltrated the church, leading many into spiritual idolatry.
This mirrors the compromise of the Christian church with paganism, especially during the Dark Ages (538–1798 A.D.).
God gave Jezebel time to repent, but she refused.
Judgment would fall on her and her spiritual children, symbolizing the destruction of apostate systems.
"I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." (v. 23)
Those who reject Jezebel’s teachings will be given:
Power over the nations—reigning with Christ.
The morning star—a symbol of Christ’s presence and the reward of eternal life.
Thyatira represents the period when the Papal Church dominated Christianity, introducing false teachings, traditions, and persecution of the faithful.
Jezebel’s fornication and idolatry symbolize compromise with paganism and the union of church and state.
The faithful Waldenses, Albigenses, and other reformers refused to bow to Rome’s apostasy.
Jezebel’s Influence on the Church
“The enemy of souls has sought to bring in the supposition that a great reformation was to take place among Seventh-day Adventists, and that this reformation would consist in giving up the doctrines which stand as the pillars of our faith, and engaging in a process of reorganization. Were this reformation to take place, what would result? The principles of truth that God in His wisdom has given to the remnant church, would be discarded. Our religion would be changed. The fundamental principles that have sustained the work for the last fifty years would be accounted as error. A new organization would be established. Books of a new order would be written. A system of intellectual philosophy would be introduced. The founders of this system would go into the cities, and do a wonderful work. The Sabbath of course, would be lightly regarded, as also the God who created it. Nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of the new movement. The leaders would teach that virtue is better than vice, but God being removed, they would place their dependence on human power, which, without God, is worthless. Their foundation would be built on the sand, and storm and tempest would sweep away the structure. {1SM 204.2} ” — (Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 204)
→ Modern-day Jezebel represents false doctrines entering the church.
God Calls for a Faithful Remnant
“In visions of the night, representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God's people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great Day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844. {9T 126.1}
The truth is soon to triumph gloriously, and all who now choose to be laborers together with God will triumph with it.” — (9T 126.1)
→ Those who stand firm will reign with Christ.
Jezebel Represents an Apostate Religious System
“The name Jezebel, applied figuratively, must denote a class of false teachers within the church, leading God’s servants into sin.” — (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 76)
→ Just as Jezebel influenced Israel, false teachings today deceive many.
God’s Judgment on Apostate Systems
“The message to Thyatira brings into focus the departure from truth and the consequence of rejecting God’s appeals.” — (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 78)
→ Those who refuse to repent will face divine judgment.
The Reward of the Faithful
“‘To him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron.’ This clearly shows that the overcomers will be given authority in Christ’s future kingdom.”
— (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 80)
→ Those who remain faithful will reign with Christ in His kingdom.
✅ Thyatira represents the church during the Dark Ages, dominated by spiritual corruption.
✅ Jezebel symbolizes a false religious system that led many into apostasy.
✅ God rebukes compromise and warns of severe judgment for unrepentant sinners.
✅ A faithful remnant remains, and Christ promises power and eternal life to those who overcome.
1️⃣ Are we tolerating modern-day "Jezebels"—false teachings that corrupt God’s truth?
2️⃣ Are we standing firm in the truth, even when pressured by the world?
3️⃣ Are we preparing to reign with Christ in His soon-coming kingdom?
📖 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." – Revelation 2:29