The description matches the description of Jesus in Revelation 1:12-17

“Son of God” emphasizes deity and is a change of wording from Revelation 1:13 where - “Son of man” (only usage in Revelation)

“Eyes like a flame of fire” (laser like vision – a holy gaze) shows that nothing is hidden from Him

“Feet like burnished bronze” depicts purity and holiness as he tramples out impurity (same reference seen in Revelation 19:15)

Who is the angel? (possibly an angel or the pastor of the church)

Scripture does not record the founding of the church at Thyatira

Perhaps it started through the ministry of Lydia (Acts 16:14-15)

Thyatira’s main industry was the production of wool and dyed goods (especially purple that was extracted from a plenteous root)

Thyatira was known primarily for its numerous guilds (the equivalent of today’s labor unions) that were “secret societies”

To hold a job or run a business you had to be a member of a guild and each guild had its patron deity in whose honor feasts were held including sacrificing meat to idols and sexual immorality

“Deeds” = their righteous deeds are divided into four categories

“Love” = first church of the seven to be commended for their love

“Faith” = faithful; Faith and love are often linked together in NT

“Service” = meeting the needs of others

“Perseverance” = steadfast in their faith

“Your deeds of late are greater than at first” = growing in these areas

You tolerate the woman jezebel = They are allowing a woman who claims to be a prophetess to teach that which is false in the church (Real person and parallel to the wicked Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 16); Her teaching led people into immorality and idolatry

The Lord gave her time to repent but she did not resulting in Divine judgement (Sickness appears to be used as a punishment; “Pestilence” means “death” or deadly disease)

This judgement would also include those who followed her teaching; children refers to spiritual children

This Divine judgement would result in the churches knowing that Jesus is the one who searches the minds and hearts = This would be a warning to churches about tolerating sin (nothing is hidden from God)

I will give to each one according to your deeds = God always punishes sin and He always rewards obedience

Christ is speaking to those who are not holding the false teaching of Jezebel – who have not known the deep things of Satan

The teaching was that one was free to indulge in the sphere of Satan (immorality) without harming yourself spiritually

I place no burden on you = These obedient believers are exhorted to “hold fast” (keep on keeping on) until Jesus returns

He who overcomes= true believers (1 John 5:5) [and keeps My deeds” contrast to those who are following the teaching of Jezebel]

I will give authority over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces as I also have received authority from My Father

Taken from = participation in millennial kingdom; Believers will rule with Him in His earthly kingdom [Even if you lose your job now, you will one day rule the nations with Christ] (Revelation 12:5; 19:15; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3)

I will give him the morning star = Title given to Christ in Revelation 22:16 (2 Peter 1:19)l We will have eternal intimacy with Jesus