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And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze” (Revelation 2:18, ESV).
This is the fourth of seven letters to individual churches in the Book of Revelation. Note “Thyatira” on the postal route from Ephesus to Laodicea.
Christianity teaches “spiritual warfare,” or as Paul writes, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). And it doesn’t take long in any study or book on spiritual warfare to hear the name “Jezebel.”
The letter to Thyatira is the longest of the seven letters in the Book of Revelation. Thyatira, as a city, was the most insignificant of all the seven cities written to by the Apostle John. Why does the “least” city get the longest letter? Probably because they were dealing with Jezebel!
But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality (Revelation 2:20-21).
Jezebel is an actual person in Thyatira, but also a demonic spirit influencing individuals and churches throughout church history. This evil spirit doesn’t manifest only in women but has influenced Christians, churches, and church leaders throughout church history. What do we know about Jezebel in Thyatira and the spirit still afflicting Christians today?
- She exuded a spirit of control, and many in the church were under her influence.
- She considered herself a prophetess and used false prophecies to mislead others.
- She encouraged believers to eat meat sacrificed to idols (in this situation, you eat after worshipping an idol) and then feel free to indulge in the sexual immorality that often occurred during the idolatry.
Even Jezebel was given an opportunity to repent, but her deeds would be judged quickly by God…
I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works (Revelation 2:21-23).
At the end of the letter to Thyatira, Jesus gives a unique promise to those who do not succumb to Jezebel…
The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations (Revelation 2:26).
There’s a lesson to be learned about spiritual warfare in John’s letter: those who succeed in defeating demonic strongholds — even in small places like Springfield, Ohio — can thrive through powerful intercession that changes the world.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!