18 'And to the messenger of the assembly of Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who is having his eyes as a flame of fire, and his feet like to fine brass; 19 I have known thy works, and love, and ministration, and faith, and thy endurance, and thy works—and the last 'are' more than the first. 20 'But I have against thee a few things: That thou dost suffer the woman Jezebel, who is calling herself a prophetess, to teach, and to lead astray, my servants to commit whoredom, and idol-sacrifices to eat; 21 and I did give to her a time that she might reform from her whoredom, and she did not reform; 22 lo, I will cast her into a couch, and those committing adultery with her into great tribulation—if they may not repent of their works, 23 and her children I will kill in death, and know shall all the assemblies that I am he who is searching reins and hearts; and I will give to you—to each—according to your works. 24 'And to you I say, and to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, and who did not know the depths of the Adversary, as they say; I will not put upon you other burden; 25 but that which ye have—hold ye, till I may come; 26 and he who is overcoming, and who is keeping unto the end my works, I will give to him authority over the nations, 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron—as the vessels of the potter they shall be broken—as I also have received from my Father; 28 and I will give to him the morning star. 29 He who is having an ear—let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies.
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.