Revelation Lecture 5

WAKE UP!

Revelation 2:18-3:6

Key Verse 3:2

1. What kind of city was Thyatira (2:18a)? Why does Jesus introduce himself as “the Son of God,” with “eyes like blazing fire” and “feet like burnished bronze” (18b)? What does Jesus commend the church in Thyatira for (19)?
2. What does Jesus mean when he says that the church “tolerates” Jezebel, and why does he call this woman “Jezebel” (20; 1 Kings 16:30-33; 21:25-26)? Why does Jesus pronounce such severe judgment on Jezebel and those who follow her (21-23a)? What does the statement “I am he who searches hearts and minds” reveal about Jesus (23b)?
3. What does Jesus mean by commanding them to “hold on to what you have” until he comes (24-25)? What does it mean that those who are victorious will rule the nations “with an iron scepter” and “dash them to pieces like pottery” (26-27)? What is “the morning star,” and what does Jesus promise by giving it to those who are victorious (28-29)?
4. What does it mean that the church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but was actually dead (3:1)? Why does Jesus command them to “wake up” and “strengthen what remains and is about to die” (2)? What were they to remember and obey (3)?
5. What does it mean that a few people in Sardis had “not soiled their clothes” (4)? What promises does Jesus give to those who are victorious (5-6)? What does the promise of being “dressed in white” mean?