Revelation 2:20-23

Revelation 2:20-23

[20] Notwithstanding  I have  against  because  that woman  Jezebel,  which  calleth  herself  a prophetess,  to teach  and  to seduce  my  servants  to commit fornication,  and  to eat  things sacrificed unto idols.  [21] And  I gave  her  space  to  repent  of  her  fornication;  and  she repented  not.  [22] Behold,  will cast  her  into  a bed,  and  them that commit adultery  with  her  into  great  tribulation,  they repent  of  their  deeds.  [23] And  I will kill  her  children  with  death;  and  all  the churches  shall know  that  I  am  he which  searcheth  the reins  and  hearts:  and  I will give  unto every one  according to  works. 

What does Revelation 2:20-23 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

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. [1] Her name may or may not have been Jezebel. I think it was not. [2] 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." [3]
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. [4] 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. Psalm 7:9; Proverbs 24:12; Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 17:10; Jeremiah 20:12).