18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write : The Son of God , who has eyes like a flame of fire , and His feet are like burnished bronze , says this : 19 ' I know your deeds , and your love and faith and service and perseverance , and that your deeds of late are greater than at first . 20 'But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel , who calls herself a prophetess , and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols . 21 ' I gave her time to repent , and she does not want to repent of her immorality . 22 'Behold , I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation , unless e they repent of her deeds . 23 'And I will kill her children with pestilence , and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts ; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds . 24 'But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira , who do not hold this teaching , who have not known the deep things of Satan , as they call them-I place no other burden on you. 25 'Nevertheless what you have , hold fast until I come . 26 ' He who overcomes , and he who keeps My deeds until the end , TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS ; 27 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 ; 28 and I will give him the morning star . 29 ' He who has an ear , let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches .'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Revelation 2:18-29
Commentary on Revelation 2:18-29
(Read Revelation 2:18-29)
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All Christians should earnestly desire that their last works may be their best works. Yet this church connived at some wicked seducers. God is known by the judgments he executes; and by this upon seducers, he shows his certain knowledge of the hearts of men, of their principles, designs, frame, and temper. Encouragement is given to those who kept themselves pure and undefiled. It is dangerous to despise the mystery of God, and as dangerous to receive the mysteries of Satan. Let us beware of the depths of Satan, of which those who know the least are the most happy. How tender Christ is of his faithful servants! He lays nothing upon his servants but what is for their good. There is promise of an ample reward to the persevering, victorious believer; also knowledge and wisdom, suitable to their power and dominion. Christ brings day with him into the soul, the light of grace and of glory, in the presence and enjoyment of him their Lord and Saviour. After every victory let us follow up our advantage against the enemy, that we may overcome and keep the works of Christ to the end.