Of the seven cities in Revelation, Thyatira is the least well-known, the least impressive, and as far as cities go, the least important. And yet this is the longest of Jesus’ messages to the seven churches. That said, Thyatira was an active center for certain trades and merchants including the slave trade. Thyatira is mentioned in Acts as the home of Lydia, a textile merchant, who was converted under the ministry of Paul (16:14).

Jesus commends the church in Thyatira by saying, “I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first” (vs. 19). That is a good list of virtues. May the very same things be said of us! But there is trouble in the church. Jesus then rebukes them because they “tolerate that woman Jezebel,” who he calls a false prophetess who is enticing his people to indulge in sexual immorality and idolatry (vs. 20). Her false teaching had been referred to by some as “the deep things of Satan” (vs. 24). What this person was promoting in the church was likely being presented as higher and deeper teaching but in truth was nothing more than satanic deceptions. This false prophetess had become a point of division within the church.

To those who reject the sinful enticements being promoted in the church, Jesus promises a share in the reign of God at the end of the age. This promise appears elsewhere in the Book of Revelation. It is an important element of life in the new creation (5:10; 20:4, 6; 22:5). It is an extension of Jesus’ promise that his people will have a share in his judgment of the tribes of Israel (Matt 19:28; Luke 22:30). In his parable of the talents Jesus promises that his disciples will “rule over many things” (Matt. 25:21). The Lord further promises the “morning star,” which is likely a reference to himself, “the bright Morning Star” (22:16). Even as the Lord will give his people a share in his authority, so he gives them a share in his glory.