Revelation 2:23 “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.
The ESV renders this verse’s beginning as, “and I will strike her children dead.” The RSV translates the verse identically to the ESV. The NIV, with the exception of the article, “and,” renders it likewise.
Revelation 2:21 “And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. [22] Indeed I will cast her into a sick-bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
Three times we encounter the term, “repent,” in this passage. Twice Jesus uses it toward Jezebel. He first gave her time to repent of her sins, but she refused. Peter wrote, “and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation,” 2 Peter 3:15.
Revelation 2:20 “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 and eat things sacrificed to idols.
There is a distinct similarity here in what Thyatira is experiencing and what Pergamos likewise experienced, Revelation 2:14. In Pergamos this was referred to as the doctrine of Balaam. Balaam, a false prophet (perhaps formerly a true prophet?) taught Balak and Moab to seduce Israel by sexual immorality and idolatry.
Revelation 2:19 “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
As always, our Lord begins by commending Thyatira for the things they are doing correctly. We are also developing a pattern. Jesus our Lord begins with each church–for good or for bead–by telling them that He knows their works.
