But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols. But I have this against you:This phrase indicates a rebuke from Jesus to the church in Thyatira. It follows a pattern seen in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation, where commendation is often followed by correction. The phrase underscores the seriousness of the issue at hand, highlighting the need for repentance and correction within the church. Rev 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest… You tolerate that woman Jezebel, The reference to "Jezebel" is symbolic, drawing from the Old Testament figure, Queen Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, known for leading Israel into idolatry and immorality (1 Kings 16:31-33). The use of her name suggests the presence of a similar corrupting influence within the church. Tolerance here implies a failure to confront and remove false teachings and immoral practices, which is a significant issue in maintaining the purity of the church. 1Ki 16:31 And as if it were not enough for him to walk… who calls herself a prophetess. This indicates that the woman in question claimed spiritual authority and insight, positioning herself as a leader or teacher within the church. The self-designation as a prophetess suggests a false claim to divine revelation, contrasting with true prophets who are called by God. This self-appointment is a warning against accepting spiritual authority without discernment. Ezk 13:17-19 Now, O son of man, set your face against the daughters… By her teaching she misleads My servants The phrase highlights the impact of false teaching on the believers, leading them astray from the truth. The term "My servants" emphasizes the personal relationship between Jesus and His followers, and the gravity of leading them into error. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the danger of false prophets and teachers (Matthew 7:15, 2 Peter 2:1). Act 20:29-30 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come… to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols. These specific sins were prevalent in the Greco-Roman world, often associated with pagan worship practices. Sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols were explicitly condemned in the early church (Acts 15:20, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13). The mention of these sins indicates a departure from Christian ethical standards and a compromise with surrounding pagan culture. This serves as a call to holiness and separation from practices that contradict the teachings of Christ. Act 15:20 Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain… Persons / Places / Events 1. JezebelA symbolic reference to a woman in the church of Thyatira who is likened to the Old Testament figure Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, known for leading Israel into idolatry and immorality. 2. Thyatira An ancient city in Asia Minor, known for its trade guilds. The church in Thyatira is one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. 3. Prophetess The self-proclaimed title of the woman referred to as Jezebel, indicating her claim to spiritual authority and insight. 4. Sexual Immorality A term used to describe the moral corruption and sinful practices that Jezebel was leading the church members into. 5. Food Sacrificed to Idols A practice condemned in the early church, as it was associated with pagan worship and idolatry. Teaching Points The Danger of Tolerance in the ChurchTolerating false teachings and immoral practices can lead to spiritual decay. The church must remain vigilant and uphold biblical truth. The Influence of False Prophets False prophets can lead believers astray by distorting God's Word. Discernment and adherence to Scripture are crucial. The Call to Repentance Just as the church in Thyatira was called to repent, believers today must be willing to turn away from sin and seek God's forgiveness. The Importance of Spiritual Purity Maintaining spiritual purity involves rejecting practices that compromise our faith, such as idolatry and immorality. The Role of Church Leadership Church leaders have a responsibility to protect the flock from false teachings and to guide them in truth. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Jezebel in the Old Testament help us understand the warning given to the church in Thyatira?2. In what ways can the church today be tempted to tolerate teachings or practices that are contrary to Scripture? 3. How can believers discern between true and false teachings in the church? 4. What steps can individuals and church communities take to maintain spiritual purity in a culture that often promotes immorality? 5. How can church leaders effectively address and correct false teachings within their congregations? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 16-21The account of the original Jezebel, who led Israel into idolatry and opposed the prophets of God, provides a background for understanding the symbolic use of her name in Revelation. Acts 15:20 The early church's decision to instruct Gentile believers to abstain from food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality, highlighting the continuity of these concerns. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Paul's teaching on fleeing sexual immorality, emphasizing the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 Warnings about false teachings and deceitful spirits in the latter times, relevant to the influence of Jezebel in Thyatira. People Antipas, Balaam, Balac, Balak, Israelites, Jezebel, JohnPlaces Ephesus, Pergamum, Smyrna, ThyatiraTopics FALSE, Astray, Beguiling, Bond-servants, Calleth, Calling, Calls, Commit, Desires, Eat, Eating, Flesh, Fornication, Gods, Herself, Idol, Idols, Idol-sacrifices, Immorality, Jezebel, Jez'ebel, Lead, Leads, Lewdness, Making, Misleads, Notwithstanding, Offered, Permittest, Practice, Prophet, Prophetess, Sacrificed, Sacrifices, Seduce, Seduces, Seduceth, Servants, Sexual, Suffer, Sufferest, Teach, Teaches, Teacheth, Teaching, Tolerate, Whoredom, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 2:20 5942 security 5775 abuse 5811 compromise Library May 17. "To Him that Overcometh, Will I Give" (Rev. Ii. 17). "To him that overcometh, will I give" (Rev. ii. 17). A precious secret of Christian life is to have Jesus dwelling within the heart and conquering things that we never could overcome. It is the only secret of power in your life and mine, beloved. Men cannot understand it, nor will the world believe it; but it is true, that God will come to dwell within us, and be the power, and the purity, and the victory, and the joy of our life. It is no longer now, "What is the best that I can do?" but the question … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth January 11. "Hold Fast Till I Come" (Rev. Ii. 25). Love's Complaining Declension from First Love The New Name. That There is no Security against Temptation in this Life The Seven Assemblies as a Whole (I. 11). The Fourth Jesus Conclusion of the Subject. Pain of the Awakening. Light against Delusions. The Dialogue against the Luciferians. The Laodicean State of Christendom. As Many as were Called by Grace, and Displayed the First Zeal... Vanity of Human Glory. Job's Regret and Our Own Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all Its Vanities The Calling of the Regenerate: The Knowledge of God The Theology of Grace. The First The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Letter cxxvi. To Marcellinus and Anapsychia. Parting Counsels Links Revelation 2:20 NIVRevelation 2:20 NLT Revelation 2:20 ESV Revelation 2:20 NASB Revelation 2:20 KJV Revelation 2:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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