Chapter 2:18–29 Session 8

T L S Book of Revelation The Letter to the Church of Thyatira Chapter 2:18–29 Session 8 April 18, 2009 1 1 1 1 1

7. 7. “He that hath an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the Churches” “He that hath an ear, hear what the Spirit says to the Churches” Review The Churches’ Report Cards: Pergamos Ephesus Smyrna • Name • Title • Commendation • Concerns • Exhortation X 6. Promise to the Overcomer 6. Promise to the Overcomer

Review – Prophetic Profile? Apostolic Church? Ephesus Persecuted Church? Smyrna Married Church? Pergamos ??? Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea

Review – Nicolaitans • A 1st century sect abusing the liberty in Christ? • An untranslated word? • nika,wNicaoConquer, overcome, rule • lao,jLaos Laity; people • Using their clergical stature or position to rule over the laity; Cf. Washing of feet John 13 • The “deeds” that Ephesus had rejected had become the “doctrine” at Pergamos

Review – Application to All Churches • Ephesus • Smyrna • Pergamos • Thyatira • Sardis • Philadelphia • Laodicea • Devotion, not just doctrine • Endure Persecution • Stand fast against world

Review – Personal Application • Ephesus • Smyrna • Pergamos • Thyatira • Sardis • Philadelphia • Laodicea • Neglected Priorities • Satanic Opposition • Spiritual Compromise

Review – Overcomer’s Promises • Ephesus • Smyrna • Pergamos • Thyatira • Sardis • Philadelphia • Laodicea • Eat of Tree of Life • Not hurt of 2nd death • Manna, Stone, Name

The Letter to theChurch at Thyatira Revelation 2:18-29

Levels of Application Local Admonitory (to all churches) Personal (Homiletics) Prophetic 9

Thyatira Istanbul Pergamos Smyrna Athens Ephesus Patmos

Thyatira • Today, it bears the name Akhisar (in Turkey) • Originally a town bearing the name of Pelopia, then Semiramis, and then Euhippia • It was taken by the Persians and then Alexander, and is ultimately passed to the possession of Lysimachus, one of Alexander’s four generals • In 301 B.C., however, Lysimachus was defeated by his rival Seleucus I (Nicator) and it became part of Syria • Nicator named it “Thyatira” (Greek, thygater, for daughter) on being informed that a daughter had been born to him

Commercial Trade • An important center for powerful trade guilds • Membership compulsory • Each under the patronage of some pagan deity • Thyatira was known for its dyes—particularly its purple (perhaps scarlet) • Derived from the madder-root which is prolific in the area • Also found in the Murex shellfish • Cf. Lydia, a wealthy sales rep for Thyatira dwelling in Philippi Acts 16:14,15

Babylonian Legend • Tammuz born to Nimrod and Semiramis • Associated with the sun god; he “dies” at the winter solstice (~Dec 22);is “resurrected” as the days get longer • Thus, celebrated by burning a “yule” log (Chaldean: infant), replaced by a trimmed tree the next morning Jer 10:1-5 • Also mistletoe (fertility) and many others… Alexander Hislop, The Two Babylons

Babylonian Roots • Nimrod who founded the original Babylonian religion • virtually identical to Aesculapius eventually developing into the worship of his widow Semiramis and his posthumous son: • Semiramis & Tammuz of Babylon • Ashtoreth & Tammus of Phoenicia • Isis & Horus of Egypt • Aphrodite & Eros of Greece • Venus & Cupid of RomeAlexander Hislop

Letter to Thyatira And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; Title of Christ: Revelation 2:18 First time Messiah uses a title rather than a descriptive attribute of Himself

Letter to Thyatira 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. Commendation: Revelation 2:19

The Ministry The ministry of the saints in Thyatira evidenced the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) Their faith was real and was made evident by their works (Titus 3:8, 14; James 2:22) The grammar used here implies that their love, service, faith and patience may be an elaboration of the works love & faith evidenced by service & patience 17

Concern: 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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. The works done at Thyatira did not stand on their own, for good works are necessary but not sufficient… Because Messiah says “Nevertheless”, this is proof that works are neither a measure nor a guarantee of salvation! Concern: Revelation 2:20-22 19

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. Sufferest = = Tolerate! Unlike the people at Ephesus, who could not bear false apostles and who hated the Nicolaitains, this church tolerated a false prophetess, Jezebel. We don’t have to actively teach false doctrine to come under Messiah’s scrutiny – all we have to do is fail to correct those who do Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. The Scriptures record many women who played a role as prophetess: - Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron (ex.15:20) - Deborah (Judges 4:4) - Huldah (2nd Kings 22:14) - Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14) - Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8:3) - Anna (Luke 2:36) - The daughters of Philip (Acts 21:9) But nowhere do they record one as being self-proclaimed Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. Concern: She may have been a prophetess… But not one of efei! Revelation 2:20-22

Jezebel • Daughter of Eth-Baal, King of Sidon, Priest of Astarte, the murderer of his predecessor, Pheles, whom he killed to seize the throne • Married King Ahab to seal a profitable trade alliance between Israel and Phoenicia • She sought to exterminate prophets of YHWH 1st Kings 18:13

Jezebel • Worshipper of Baal and Astarte (originated in Babylon) • She and King Ahab ushered in the worst period in OT 1st Kings 16:30,33 • Ashtoreth Judges 2:13; 10:6 cf. 1st Sam 31:10; 1st Kings 11:5,33 • The Groves (high places, phallic symbols) Deut 16:21 2nd Kings 23:3,6,7; Ezekiel 36:15 • “Queen of Heaven”: A Babylonian conceptJeremiah 7:18; 44:15-30

Mount Carmel 1st Kings 18:17-40

Naboth’s Vineyard 1st Kings 21 26

PropheciedConsumption 1st Kings 21:17-29 27

Naboth’s Vineyard1st Kings 21 • King Ahab desires Naboth’s vineyard • Queen Jezebel arranges an Inquisition • False witnesses • Condemnation • Execution • Naboth’s vineyard seized for the king • Naboth’s heirs also slain

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. The Scriptures indicate that women can: - Have great wisdom (Proverbs 31:26) - Work with men instructing believers (Acts 18:26) But they are not to occupy teaching roles over men (1st Corinthians 14:34, 1st Timothy 2:12) This is not cultural, but - Reflective of God’s created order (1st Timothy 2:13) - Recognizes differences between men and women (1st Timothy 2:14) The primary teaching role of women is to: - Other women (Titus 2:3-4) - Children (2nd Timothy 1:5, 3:15) Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. The Greek word for seduce is plana, meaning “…to cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way.” Our ability to be lead correlates with the strength we give to our desires Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. This one goes far deeper than you can imagine by a mere reading of the words This one addresses membership in the trade guilds for maintaining a lifestyle and supporting your family, except the guilds were all ruled by different guardian gods Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. This is evidence of God’s grace! “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2nd Peter 3:9 Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. This introduces the pattern so clearly seen throughout the Book of Revelation: Even in the face of clear evidence of God’s disapproval, those who have set their hearts against Him refuse to repent Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. The tense of the verb used here suggests a future tense of a judgment which has already been made! The bed is thought to be a sickbed: Her bed of whoredom will be changed into a bed of anguish Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. The adultery spoken of here is most likely the spiritual adultery of which Messiah has just been speaking – idolatry and eating things sacrificed unto other gods Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. More importantly, we now see that Jezebel is a type of the harlot we’ll see in Revelation 17: “With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”Revelation 17:2 Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. The reference to great tribulation here is probably not a reference to the time called “The Great Tribulation” in both Matthew and Revelation, but rather a time of personal tribulation for those involved Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

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. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. One last time, God is giving a chance for man to repent “The very time during which ungodly men are heaping up for themselves greater wrath against the day of wrath, was a time lent them for repentance (Romans 2:4; 2nd Peter 3:9), if only they would have understood the object and the meaning of it.” Concern: Revelation 2:20-22

Jezebel’sDemise 2nd Kings 9:30-37 39

Jehu2nd Kings 9:30-37 Jehu was a servant of King Ahab He had witnessed the sin of King Ahab and Jezebel He was now witnessing the judgment of Jezebel 40

And 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. Revelation 2:23

And 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. - To kill with death is a Hebrew idiom meaning to slay with the most sure and awful death - A literal translation of Genesis 2:17 would read “…dying thou shalt die…” Revelation 2:23 42

And 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. The threat of being judged according to your own works should send a shiver up the spine of all who are acquainted with their own depravity as a member’s of Adam’s race But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6 Revelation 2:23 According to Leviticus 15:19-33, women are unclean during menstruation plus 7 days The actual translation is “used menstrual cloths” 43

And 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. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”Revelation 20:12 Revelation 2:23 44

Scripture makes it clear that we are not called to focus on darkness, but to focus on light (Philippians 4:8) Exhortation: 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. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. Revelation 2:24-25

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. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. “I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight”Psalm 119:30-35 Exhortation: Revelation 2:24-25 46

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. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. Exhortation: Revelation 2:24-25 This only occurs in the last four letters Explicit mention of the second coming of Messiah 47

Promise to the Overcomer: And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And 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. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 2:26-29

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And 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. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Promise to the Overcomer: Keeping His works requires abiding in His Word (John 8:31-32) Revelation 2:26-29 49

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And 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. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Promise to the Overcomer: Revelation 2:26-29 Psalm 2 50

Chapter 2:18–29 Session 8