Jesus Christ Revealed: "To the Church in Thyatira"

Revelation 2:18 (GW):
“To the messenger of the church in Thyatira, write: The Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire and whose feet are like glowing bronze, says: 

In the seven individual letters, we see the careful logic involved in deciding why each church received the section of the description that it did. Jesus Christ purposefully presented Himself to each of the churches in a way that would be historically and culturally relevant to them. The “self-descriptions” of Jesus Christ are not just general facts about His nature; they are specific pieces of revelation intended to deeply connect with the hearts and situations of these churches.

This is also how the Holy Spirit speaks to us through prophecy. In these letters, Jesus Christ delivers His prophecies in a very personal manner. He gives each church a piece of revelation regarding what He is like and who He is that is especially applicable to them in their situation.

Thyatira: "The Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire and whose feet are like glowing bronze!"

Each of the seven letters typically opens with two descriptions of Jesus Christ before He addresses the church. The sermon to Thyatira differs from this pattern by adding to this double description of Jesus Christ an opening title: “These are the words of the “Son of God”, whose eyes are like a flame of fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.”

Often in the book of Revelation, an image, title, or expression has an Old Testament background that alludes to the local pagan setting. This is the case here with Jesus Christ declaring that He is the true “Son of God.” Jesus begins with a description of Himself that directly challenges the local deities of Thyatira. His declaration in context is against the patron god of Thyatira (Apollo Tyrimnos) and against the imperial cult (emperor worship).

Jesus Christ’s role as judge is further stressed by His fiery eyes, which can see clearly into the hidden intentions of people’s minds and hearts, including those of Jezebel and all her deceived followers in Thyatira. Jesus Christ’s role as judge is emphasized yet again by His burnished bronze feet, which can easily stamp out all opposition to His rule.

The self-description of Jesus Christ as one “whose feet are like burnished bronze” also refers to a unique local product of bronze produced in Thyatira by a trade guild whose patron god was Apollo Tyrimnos. The title that Jesus Christ gives of Himself is sobering for the church in Thyatira. As the “Son of God”, He comes to them first and foremost as judge, the role ascribed to Him as God’s son in Psalm 2. This title further asserts His preeminence over all other competing sons of gods, whether they be the local patron deity (Apollo Tyrimnos) or the Roman emperor.