Listen to last week’s sermon: The 7 Letters to the 7 Churches: The Church Thyatira found in Revelation 2:18-29

The 7 Letters of the 7 Churches Series at New Beginning Church in Rockland.

Pastor Eric began his sermon by emphasizing the enduring power and relevance of the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. He assured the congregation that these messages, though penned nearly two millennia ago, speak directly to every believer, every generation, and every local church. The struggles, encouragements, and warnings contained within these letters are not relics of a distant past but living words that address the very heart of Christian life today.

“These 7 letters, no matter where you are in your walk with God, will speak to you. If you approach it with an open heart, it will speak to you.”

This series, and especially the message to Thyatira, is not just for pastors or church leaders. It is for every Christian, regardless of their role or maturity. Pastor Eric shared how preparing and studying these letters has ministered to him personally, underscoring the transformative potential of God’s Word when received with humility and openness.

Historical and Archaeological Foundations

To ground the message in reality, Pastor Eric recounted the story of William Ramsay, a Scottish archaeologist and New Testament scholar. Ramsay, initially a skeptic, set out to disprove the New Testament’s historical claims. He traveled thousands of kilometers across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), meticulously following ancient roads, recording inscriptions, and studying the ruins of cities mentioned in the New Testament.Through his research, Ramsay discovered overwhelming archaeological evidence confirming the existence of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. He found architectural remains, inscriptions, and artifacts that illuminated the social, economic, and religious life of early Christian communities. His findings verified the geographical, political, and cultural details described in the biblical texts.

“He concluded that the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation were real, and that the archaeological evidence confirmed their existence. So these were real communities of believers that actually existed.”

This historical reality is crucial. It reminds us that the letters were written to actual people facing real challenges—challenges that, in many ways, mirror those we face today.

The City of Thyatira

Thyatira was a commercial hub in Asia Minor, located in a long valley connecting the Caicus and Hermus rivers, about 64 km southeast of Pergamum. Unlike other cities, it was built on flat ground, making it vulnerable to attack and frequently destroyed throughout history.The city was renowned for its trade guilds—more than any other city in the region. These included wool workers, linen workers, dyers (notably of purple cloth), leather workers, tanners, potters, bakers, and bronze smiths. Membership in these guilds was essential for economic survival, but participation often required involvement in pagan religious rituals and feasts.

Religious and Social Life

Thyatira’s patron deity was Tyrimnos, often identified with Apollo, the Greek sun god. Guild activities were intertwined with the worship of this god, and civic events often included sacrifices and feasts in his honor.The most famous Christian from Thyatira was Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, who was converted by Paul in Philippi (Acts 16:14). The church in Thyatira likely began through the witness of converts like Lydia.

The Church’s Struggle

The church in Thyatira was commended for its love, faith, service, and perseverance, with their latter works exceeding their first. However, it was also criticized for tolerating a false prophetess, symbolically called “Jezebel,” who led members into sexual immorality and idolatry—likely connected to the guild feasts. This reflects the tension between economic survival and faithfulness to Christ

Jesus’ Self-Revelation: Eyes Like Fire, Feet Like Bronze

In Revelation 2:18, Jesus introduces Himself to the church of Thyatira as “the Son of God, whose eyes are like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.” Pastor Eric unpacked these descriptors to reveal their profound significance:

Son of God: This title asserts Christ’s divine authority and unique relationship with the Father. It is a reminder that Jesus is not merely a wise teacher or prophet but God Himself, worthy of ultimate allegiance.

Eyes Like a Flame of Fire: This imagery speaks of Christ’s penetrating discernment. He sees beyond outward appearances, discerning the true condition of hearts and motives. Nothing is hidden from His gaze.

Feet Like Burnished Bronze: Bronze, refined in the fire, symbolizes strength, stability, and judgment. Christ stands immovable and pure, able to judge righteously and withstand any opposition.

“Jesus introduces himself to the church of Thyatira as the Son of God, with eyes like a flame of fire and feet like burnished bronze, signifying discernment and judgment.”

This self-revelation sets the tone for the message: Christ is both the loving Savior and the righteous Judge, calling His people to faithfulness and purity.

The Strengths of the Church in Thyatira

Before addressing the church’s failures, Jesus commends Thyatira for several notable strengths:

Works: The church was active in good deeds, serving both God and others.

Love: Unlike some other churches, Thyatira was marked by genuine love—a love that was visible and growing.

Faith: Their trust in Christ was evident, sustaining them through challenges.

Service: They were not passive believers but engaged in practical ministry.

Patient Endurance: Despite difficulties, they persevered, refusing to give up.

Growth: Remarkably, their “latter works exceeded the first.” They were not stagnant but growing in their devotion and impact.

This commendation is a powerful reminder that Christ sees and values our efforts, growth, and perseverance. It challenges us to examine whether our love and service are increasing or diminishing over time.

The Jezebel Problem

Despite its strengths, the church in Thyatira had a serious problem: it tolerated a woman symbolically referred to as “Jezebel.” This figure, echoing the notorious queen in the Old Testament, was leading believers into sexual immorality and idolatry.

The Jezebel Spirit

Pastor Eric described the “Jezebel spirit” as manipulative, self-appointed, and unrepentant. This spirit operates through:

False Teaching: Promoting doctrines that justify or minimize sin.

Manipulation: Gaining influence through charisma or spiritual claims rather than godly character.

Leading Others Astray: Encouraging behaviors that compromise faithfulness to Christ.

Refusal to Repent: Persisting in sin despite correction or warning.

“The Jezebel spirit is described as manipulative, self-appointed, and leading others astray, with a refusal to repent.”

The Danger of Tolerance

The church’s failure was not outright participation in sin but tolerance of it. They allowed false teaching and immoral behavior to persist, perhaps out of fear, misplaced compassion, or a desire to avoid conflict.

Pastor Eric warned that such tolerance is dangerous. It undermines the church’s witness, grieves the Holy Spirit, and invites Christ’s discipline. The call is not to harshness or legalism but to loving, courageous confrontation of sin for the sake of the individual and the community.

Watch sermon here: