The Church in Thyatira had the opposite problem to that of the church in Ephesus. The Ephesian church dealt decisively with false-teaching and yet it lacked love. The Thyatiran church, on the other hand, was rich in love and yet lacked the discernment and will to deal with false teaching. They had a ‘Jezebel’ in their midst, a false teacher who was seducing them into idolatry. Whoever this woman was, she evidently held some sway over the church. It was not uncommon for women to hold important positions in the early church. So, to be clear, it is not her gender that is the problem here. It seems that she was using for evil purposes what might have been a legitimate capacity for positive influence. She probably wielded her influence through some kind of prophetic gift which she used to legitimise the deviant practices she was advocating. She is referred to as ‘Jezebel’ to evoke the situation in Israel during the time of Ahab and Elijah (1 Kings 16-19). Jezebel was Ahab’s wife who used her royal position to establish a huge school of false prophets to lead Israel into idolatry. How easily we are swayed by those who wield extra-ordinary gifts. We have a tendency to follow what is impressive rather than what is true. Jesus warned his disciples that “false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). A faithless heart will require constant assurance by signs and wonders, and there will always be people who will exploit this need. Trust God and follow his Word unswervingly.
Pray about what most concerns you today and trust God for the outcome
Read Revelation 2:18-29
