Spanning 12 verses Revelation , the message to Thyatira was one of the longest messages and, like most of these messages, included both correction and encouragement for the Christians of Thyatira. Refounded by Seleucus I Nicator approximately three centuries before the time of Christ, the small city became a commercial center for the economy of the area.
Situated on a lesser road between Pergamos and Sardis, residents of the city became wealthy and, like people of other nearby cities, built temples to pagan gods. Every artisan belonged to a guild, and every guild, which was an incorporated organization, possessed property in its own name, made contracts for great constructions, and wielded a wide influence.
A member of this guild seems to have been Lydia of Thyatira, who, according to Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. Pagan feasts, with which immoral practices were associated, were held, and therefore the nature of the guilds was such that they were opposed to Christianity. Little can be seen of the ancient ruins of Thyatira photo by Joel Meeker.
Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.
And I will give to each one of you according to your works. But hold fast what you have till I come. Perhaps Jesus chose to make His identity undeniably clear in this introduction because the correction He soon gives is especially strong.
