Big Idea: Jesus commends his church for trusting and loving God, for serving people, and for persevering in faith, but he warns of judgment for those who go along with false teaching that promotes idolatry and immorality.

Understanding the Text

The message to the church in Thyatira is the fourth (and longest) in the series of messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3. The setting and themes here are very similar to those of Pergamum: Christ is portrayed as Judge, and the church is commended for enduring in a difficult environment of idolatry and immorality. In this case, however, there is a strong warning to those who refuse to reject the satanic false teaching and a double promise to those who overcome.

Historical and Cultural Background

Thyatira was located about forty miles s…