REVELATION SIMPLIFIED

 

CHAPTER 2.22

Gleanings from the Book of Revelation:

A Weekly Verse-by-Verse Bible Study Series

 

The

REVELATION TO JOHN

(The Apocalypse)

 

LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

 

CHAPTER 2

 

The Letter to the Church at Thyatira (continued)

 

Outline

1.  The Addressee – To whom the letter is addressed (2:18)

2.  The Address – To where the letter is addressed (2:18)

3.  The Addresser – From whom the letter is addressed (2;18)

4.  The Approval – The acclamation of good qualities (2:19)

5.  The Accusation – The presentation of bad qualities (2:20-23)

6. The Appeal – The application to change (2:24-25)

7.   The Advice – The recommendation to change (2:26-29)

 

 

Thyatira: Continued

The Thyatira Church, once highly praised for their good works originally performed in the name of Jesus Christ, must now be horrendously judged because of their regression or backslidden condition.

 

 

5. The Accusation – The presentation of bad qualities (continued)

 

(Verse 22)

 

Behold, I will cast her (Jezebel) into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

(Verse 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.

 

The Punishment

Because of Jezebel’s insubordination, her warning and punishment are straightforward:

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation…And I will kill her children with death.

 

Explanation of Terms

Bed – This is the only time bed is mentioned in the Book of Revelation. It could also be defined as a couch or table. The indication is, Jezebel and ecclesiasticism will be thrown into a bed of tribulation with her bed partners.

 

Adultery – This is the only time adultery is used in the Book of Revelation. The term adultery can be rendered in two different ways:

1.  It refers to committing the act of sexual immorality

2.  It may be used metaphorically as spiritual infidelity

 

Great Tribulation – There are three possible interpretations:

1.  The Great Tribulation Period

2.  The judgment on man’s sin

3.  The interpretation could mean both.

 

Repent – This is the second time in this letter Jesus offers the members at Thyatira a chance to repent exampling the extent of God’s grace. It is His plea for them to turn from their wicked ways, the Lord’s antidote for sin.

Jeremiah 25:5 - Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings.

 

Deeds (works) – In this context, Jesus is referring to bad deeds or works within the church.

 

Three severe punishments

1.  Cast or throw her (Jezebel) into tribulation

2.  Cast her partners into tribulation

3.  Kill her children with death

 

I will cast

This phrase is in the present tense, or the emphatic future as if the Lord is already in the process of executing His judgment upon them.

 

Into a bed of tribulation

This expression symbolizes death and Hell itself.

 

Children

1.  Those who were birthed as a result of fornication

2.  Those who were spiritually raised under this false system

 

Death – Literally, I will kill with pestilence. The Lord here is referring to the second death, not physical death, but a spiritual death into the eternal Lake of Fire.

 

The Lord emphatically states: Because of this action, ALL the churches will know what the punishment is for such behavior and that this is specifically the Lord’s judgment.

 

 

(Verse 23b)

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 Lord is a righteous and just God. Even your innermost thoughts will be assessed. He desires His Church to be biblically sound and morally pure. The warning above is from the Lord who already knows beforehand the consequences of false teaching within the Church.

 

The Apostle Paul, in desiring to preserve the pureness of the Corinthian Church, writes in his epistle:

2 Corinthians 11:2 - For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

 

His admonishment summarizes this principle well. The Church (His Bride) is to be presented to Jesus (the Bridegroom) as a chaste (pure and spotless) virgin at the Marriage Supper (wedding feast) of the Lamb Jesus (cf. Revelation 19:9).

 

Apart from individual believers wearing the whole armor of God, it is also paramount for church leaders to be continual in prayer and in the Word, lest the son of perdition (Satan) seize the opportunity to take a stronghold.

Ephesians 6:13-18 - Wherefore take unto you (wear, put on) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

 

Beware: There are those in the church today who have itching ears, the tendency to let go and follow new ideas or become too religious in trying to be a Christian.

 

 

6. The Appeal – The application to change

(Verse 24)

 

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.

(Verse 25)

But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

 

To the people who held to the Cross and did not deny the faith, adhere, fall prey, or succumb to the false doctrines Jezebel promulgated, and for those who did not experientially know the deep things of Satan, the Lord reprieves them from any burdens mentioned above.

 

Depths of Satan

Satan’s name is mentioned three times in the seven letters to the churches.

1.  At Pergamos – The address of Satan’s throne. Satan ruled in this church, corrupted it with false teachings, and had Christians persecuted. 

 

2.   At Philadelphia – The synagogue of Satan (cf. Revelation 3:9). Satan was the extreme enemy of this church.

 

 

3. At Thyatira – The depths of the deep things of Satan refer to the deep profound spiritual mysteries, delusions, and devices of Satan.

 

In all three references, Satan's work is a counterfeit of Christ. The reality and seriousness are exposed in Scripture:

1 Timothy 4:1 - Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.

 

1 John 4:3 - And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist.

 

Revelation 16:14 - For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world.

 

Hold Fast

Definition: Greek, Krateō (G2902): Using strength to seize, retain or hold on to what you have.

 

Jesus gives a word of advice: Whatever burdens you are holding on to or bearing, hold on tight to Jesus and everything that stands for His name and does not yield. Jesus is saying, "I am coming to take you out. It’s not going to be easy folks, refuse to compromise, keep the faith, and continue in truth until I come."

 

In the Parable of the Ten Pounds, the nobleman (a representation of Jesus) told the servants to hang in there.

Luke 19:13 - And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

 

 

7. The Advice – The recommendation to change

(Verse 26)

 

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

(Verse 27)

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers (pieces): even as I received of My Father.

(Verse 28)

And I will give him the morning star.

(Verse 29)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

The Overcomers

In every letter Christ addresses, there are always those who overcome.

I John 5:5-6 - Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (NIV). 

Those who believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and keep His works to the end are the true overcomers – a remnant.

 

God’s Promises

The overcomer is promised two things by the Lord:

1.  Power over the nations

2.  The Morning Star

 

Power over the Nations

There will be some wicked who will pass through the Tribulation Period. The scepter of power is going to be assigned to the authority of the saints. When the King of Kings begins to rule during the Kingdom, the overcomers will be co-regents with Jesus executing judgment over the nations, and even the smallest problems will be adjudicated.

Paul reminded the Church at Corinth:

1 Corinthians 6:2 - Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

 

This scenario is realized during the Millennium.

Revelation 20:4 - And I saw thrones, and they (the saints, the total church) sat upon them (judgment seats), and judgment (judicial authority, to act as judges) was given unto them…and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

 

Definitions

Rule – The Greek renders: To shepherd, tend, or feed.

Rod of Iron – A representation of judgment.

 

Revelation 19:15 - And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite (strike) the nations: and He shall rule (shepherd) them with a rod of iron (iron scepter): and He treadeth (trample) the winepress of the fierceness (indignation) and wrath of Almighty God.

 

Psalm 2:9 - Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

 

The encouragement to be an overcomer is a promised future ruling and reigning with Christ in the Kingdom.

 

The Morning Star

The second thing Christ assures the overcomer is the Morning Star. The morning star announces a new day. It is labeled, the Day Star, associated with the dawn of a new day. One may observe this star in the heavenlies before sunrise. However, in this text, Jesus Christ is likened to the Heavenly Star.

Revelation 22:16 - Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I (Jesus) am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

 

2 Peter 1:19 - We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

 

Saints, this is our blessed hope:

Titus 2:13 - Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

Preceding the dawn of the Millennium is an announcement of a new day on God’s timetable. It is the appearance of a brilliant shining Star – the Morning Star. This Star is none other than Jesus Christ in all His glory at His Second Coming ushering in the Kingdom.

 

 

(Verse 29)

 

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

Individually, every child of God will hear. Anyone else who will open their ears, listen, and act upon what the Holy Spirit is saying will receive a divine blessing. If you observe the placement of this saying, it appears before all the promises are given. However, from Thyatira to Laodicea, it is at the very end thus demonstrating God’s grace is being extended or reaching out to every last person.

 

In our next lesson, we will study the Church in Sardis.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

1.  What does a bed represent in verse 22?

2.  How does a person repent?

3.  Why will the children be punished?

4.  Why are we to be prepared for battle?

5. What other letters mentioned Satan’s name?

6.   Why are we to hold fast?

7.  What is promised to the overcomers?

 

 

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