Jezebel, a False Prophetess
Jezebel is one of two false prophetesses mentioned by name in the Bible. Jezebel was mentioned by name by the angel of the church in Thyatira in Revelations 2:18–29 (NKJ), “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: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’
We don’t know if Jezebel was really her name but that was what she was called.
According to the Matthew Henry Commentary, when it says “I will kill her children with death”, it meant the second death in which it leaves no hope of a future life, no resurrection for those that are killed by the second death but only to shame and everlasting contempt.
Thyatira was where Lydia, a seller of purple, was from.
Revelation 2:18–29 was directed to the angel of the church of Thyatira. It was sent by the Son of God. Jesus mentions their charity, service, faith, patience, and fruitfulness as well as a reproof for letting a wicked seducer or Jezebel in their church. “Jezebel” wickedness was charged on the church because they allowed her to seduce men and did nothing. Her punishment could have been prevented if she repented. Jezebel was a false prophetess who was trying to lure Christians into idolatry. Christ gave Jezebel time to repent but just like the Jezebel in the Old Testament (who died a gruesome death) she was defiant against God and did not repent.
The punishment was only for Jezebel and her followers if they did not repent but those who didn’t follow her wouldn’t be punished.
Jesus is instructing John to write to the church of Thyatira. We can read about their good qualities as well as they’re not so good evil deeds when they allowed Jezebel to lead the members of that church into idolatry and sexual immorality.
In conclusion, we must not allow anyone to make us stray from God’s word because we will meet the same fate as Jezebel if we don’t repent. Our punishment will be Hell. God gives everyone time to repent. If someone tries to bring evil into our church, we must make sure it does not enter God’s house.
