Revelation 2:20-23

3. Rebuke 2:20-23

Evidently a woman claiming to be a prophetess (cf. Luke 2:36; Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5) had been influencing some in this church to join the local trade guilds without which a tradesman could not work in Thyatira. This meant participation in the guild feasts that included immoral acts and the worship of idols. [Note: See Beasley-Murray, pp. 89-90.] Her name may or may not have been Jezebel. I think it was not. [Note: Cf. Newell, p. 54; Thomas, Revelation 1-7, p. 214; and Aune, p. 213.] Jezebel, Balaam, and the Nicolaitans all sought to lead God’s people into idolatry and sexual immorality. This woman’s behavior reflected that of wicked Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 16 -2 Kings 9) who led Israel into immorality and idolatry by advocating Baal worship (cf. Revelation 2:14; Acts 15:28-29).

"With her Nicolaitan orientation the prophetess could suggest that since ’an idol has no real existence’ (1 Corinthians 8:4), believers need not undergo the privation which would follow from unwillingness to go along with the simple requirements of the trade guild." [Note: Mounce, p. 103.]

God had not brought judgment on her previously so she might repent (2 Peter 3:9). Since she refused to change her ways, God would judge her and her followers unless they repented. She might experience a fatal illness (cf. 2 Kings 1:4; 1 Corinthians 11:29-30), and her followers might experience great tribulation. This could be a reference to the seven-year Tribulation. [Note: Thomas, Revelation 1-7, p. 219-21.] But it seems more likely to refer to severe divine discipline similar to what is coming during the Tribulation. Death would also be the punishment of her spiritual children (Revelation 2:23), another way of describing her followers (Revelation 2:22). The other churches would recognize her punishment as coming from God, who knows all people intimately (cf. Psalms 7:9; Proverbs 24:12; Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 17:10; Jeremiah 20:12).