Message to Thyatira
Thyatira was the smallest and least significant of
the seven cities, but it was the one that received the longest letter. This town stood about 45 miles to the
southeast of Pergamum. It was famous for its textiles, but especially for its
production of purple dye (cf. Acts 16:14), and its trade guilds. According to
extant records, there were more trade guilds in Thyatira than in any other
Asian city. There were trade guilds for clothiers, bakers, tanners, potters,
linen workers, wool merchants, slave traders, shoemakers, dyers, and copper
smiths. Thus it was a business center.
How does Jesus
describe himself?
"Son of God" emphasizes Jesus Christ's deity and
His right to judge. This is the only use of this title in Revelation.
Flame-like "eyes" suggest discerning and severe judgment. "Burnished
(highly reflective) bronze" feet, in this context, picture a warrior with
protected feet (cf. 1:15; Dan. 10:6).
What was the church
commended for?
love and faith and service and perseverance – Growing and getting
better!
What
do you think the church might have been doing to demonstrate love, faith,
service, and perseverance?
What
was the criticism?
Tolerance! Of Jezebel leading others to acts of immorality and idolatry.
How
can the church be growing in their love, faith and service, and also be
tolerating these acts of immorality and idol worship?
Exhortation
hold fast until
I come
This is the first mention in Revelation of the Lord's coming
for the church, the Rapture
Promise to overcomers
to him I will give authority
over the nations; 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also
have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will
give him the morning star (Rev 22:16)
Going back to Jesus description of Himself as the Son of God
– He has received the authority from His Father to give authority to whom he
wants to give authority.
No comments:
Post a Comment