Revelation 2:18-29 / The Church of Thyatira
In Revelation 2:18-29, John begins his fourth edict by commending the church of Thyatira for their blue-collar faith. A city known for its smelting and bronze work, John introduces Jesus as the One who sees them and walks among them, having “eyes of fire” and “feet like burnished bronze”, both daily realities for the Thyatirans (verses 18-19). However, it was that blue-collar drive that led many of them to join the local trade guilds, professional associations inextricably tied to idol worship and abusive sexual practices. In fact, in John’s admonition to the church, he rebukes a figure he names Jezebel who had been teaching a version of the faith that allowed Christians to become members of the trade guilds (verses 20-21).
John is trying to shepherd them away from following this dangerous teacher. With poetic genius, he conjures the historical Jezebel from the Old Testament to remind them what the result is for those who choose the path of idolatry—the slow degradation of the soul, violence, and the total loss of love for God and neighbor (verses 22-23).
After his stern warning, John reassures the faithful that their role is to shepherd (rule with an iron rod) those who have fallen victim to the false teachings. He uses the image of shattered pottery to represent the great revealing that must occur within those who have become hardened by the cultural forces of Thyatira (verses 26-27).
Fleshing Out the Context:
The “Son of God” honorific is a poetic counterpunch to the local god Tyrimnos who was honored throughout the city as the Son of Zeus.
The reference to Jesus having “eyes like burnished bronze” is a local nod to the main export of Thyatira, burnished bronze.
John’s problem with the prophetess of Thyatira has nothing to do with her being a woman. His problem is the teaching itself.
Scholars point to the possibility that this Jezebel figure is Sambathe, a local Sibyl oracle who had great influence in the city and among the members of the local guilds.
Discussion Questions
What lessons can we learn from John’s charge to the faithful to “shepherd” those who have fallen victim to the allure of Babylon?
How have you witnessed this imagery of Jezebel misused in your past church experiences?
What are some false teachings that the modern church is falling prey to and, based on John’s message to the Thyatiran faithful, what role do we play in the lives of those who have been led astray?