John recorded a letter to Thyatira given to him directly by Jesus.
The Book of Revelation presents the climax of GOD’S plan for man, it is the consummation of all things!
The Beloved Disciple recorded what Jesus spoke in Revelation chapter 2:
18 “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:
The title Jesus uses with each church provides a clue to the issue in that church. Both fire and brass denote a theme of inspection and judgment. Jesus can see through the dross and discerns what is left.
His commendation:
19 “I know your works, Love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
His concerns:
20 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 (as well as idol worship) and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
If they don’t change, they will go into the great tribulation. Idol worship will disqualify you from entering the Kingdom prior to the great tribulation. Notice that Jesus gives those who have entered into idol worship an opportunity to reverse their situation. UNLESS they repent, they will ultimately suffer in the great tribulation. Each of us must assess whether we have any subtle idols we might worship that draws us away from our spiritual walk with Jesus.
23 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.
In effect, the whole church condoned idol worship.
His exhortation:
24 “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.
25 But hold fast what you have till I come.
This is the first specific reference in the seven letters of the coming of Christ.
Promise to the overcomer:
26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations–
27 ‘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;
28 and I will give him the morning star.
29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘
There are two groups in this church: a remnant and the rest who have allowed idol worship into the congregation. Jesus removes the remnant and allows the rest to enter into the great tribulation. Those who are among the remnant are given the promise to rule over nations with Jesus.
The Beloved Disciple specifically defines the overcomer when he wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1st John chapter 5:
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
You see, every true child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world.
Those of us who walk in faith and fully rely on Jesus Christ are known as overcomers. This is why He urges us to “hold fast” until He comes!