“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass…’”

And to the angel of the church

Again, Jesus speaks to the leader of the church as the representative of the church and the one responsible for the church.

in Thyatira write

The fourth and longest letter to the churches is the letter to Thyatira. This was the most corrupt of all seven churches.

Thyatira is about 55 miles northeast of Smyrna (Izmir Turkey) and 45 miles southeast of Pergamum. This city is of lesser prominence than the other seven cities. They had no temple dedicated to an emperor. Seleucus I Nicator founded the city in 300 BC. The town Akhisar stands on this site today.

Thyatira lay on the Lycus River. Thyatira, situated strategically, located on an important low-lying corridor that connected the Hermus and Caicus valleys. It was an important place in the Roman road system as a frontier garrison and postal route. Many people traveled this road.

There were many industrial and commercial guilds in this city by the time that John wrote Revelation. Trade was very difficult without belonging to a guild. The guilds were social clubs fettered with pagan worship and immorality. These guilds carried vast power in the community. These guilds formed opposition to Christianity (Acts 19). The city manufactured wool, linen, leather, pottery, brass-smiths (renowned for this), and slave trading. Thyatira was a dyeing center as well.

Thyatira is the home of Lydia, whom Paul led to Christ (Acts 16:14). Lydia was a “seller of purple goods.” She may have been an agent of a Thyatiran manufacturer of dyed woolen goods.

A significant Christian community existed in Thyatira toward the end of the first century.

‘These things says the Son of God

Jesus calls Himself “the Son of God.” He stresses His deity, “This is God talking to you.” The two characteristics that follow stress attributes of His deity.

who has eyes like a flame of fire

John uses terminology common to bronze workers in Thyatira. This description is similar to that of the first chapter (Re 1:13f). Jesus’ eyes here may represent the eyes of fury and judgment that can penetrate any sham. No facade will pass His notice. We cannot disguise ourselves or pretend in His presence.

and His feet like fine brass

The first chapter used the term “fine brass” (Re 1:15). This brass was brilliant when polished. This may represent His fixed orientation to the truth.

Principle:

Jesus sees everything for what it is.

Application:

Some Christians compromise their Christianity because of their business network. They put business over Christ. Jesus can see right into the heart of those who hold this attitude. He knows our secret sins (Hebrews 4:13). We will not get away with this. Jesus penetrates this sham.