The Church at Thyatira Compromised

Several years ago driving through the Ocala National Forest at night, I spotted a large brown object lying in the middle of the road. I thought it looked like it might be a bear cub that had been struck by a car. I got out and looked at it, and sure enough, that is what it was. A … More

Compromise

Thyatira is located about 35 miles southeast of Pergamos and was noted for its wool and dye industry. This city is first mentioned in connection with Paul’s missionary journeys. His first convert was a woman of this city by the name of Lydia who was a seller of purple. Though much was wrong in the church at Thyatira, the believers were praised for their love, faith, service, and perseverance (v.19). At the same time, as is pointed out in the verses that follow, this church had serious problems.

The church is rebuked for its compromise as it permitted Jezebel to teach the believers to take part in the sexual immorality that accompanied her pagan religion and to eat food that had been sacrificed to idols (v. 20). Their immorality had gone on for some time. God gave them time to repent but they refused to do so (v. 21). Only judgment remains.

Evidently there were some who did not follow the compromise of the church, but instead denounced its unbiblical ways (v.24). These faithful ones are promised association with Christ in His millennial reign (v.26_27). In addition, they will receive the morning star (v.28). Scripture does not explain this expression, but it may refer to participation in the rapture of the Church before the dawn of the millennial kingdom.

Application

A challenge for me is to be on guard to false teaching and following any religious group that has an empty formality. Satan is a specialist in compromise as he offers his counterfeits.

Revelation 2:18-29 (English Standard Version)


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