The Church Where Tolerance Went to Seed

In this message centering on Revelation 2:18–29, Chuck Swindoll addresses the danger of compromising truth in the name of “tolerance.” He begins by contrasting the traditional definition of tolerance—respecting individuals while maintaining discernment—with the “new tolerance” of modern culture, which demands that all beliefs and lifestyles be treated as equally valid and true [7–8]. Swindoll applies this cultural critique to the church in Thyatira, a congregation that had allowed this specific type of permissiveness to infiltrate its fellowship.

Swindoll describes Thyatira as the smallest of the seven cities, a blue-collar “sentinel town” known for its trade guilds and manufacturing rather than political power or beauty [13–14]. Despite its insignificance to historians, the church there received the longest letter in Revelation. Jesus commends them for their growth, noting that their “deeds of late are greater than at first,” distinguishing them from churches that live in the glory days of the past [18–19]. However, this growth was overshadowed by a fatal flaw: they tolerated a woman identified as “Jezebel,” who was leading believers into immorality and idolatry under the guise of “deep” spiritual mysteries.

The message underscores the severity of Christ’s judgment against this false teaching. Swindoll explains that while salvation is by faith, judgment is according to works; therefore, Jesus warns that He will cast Jezebel and her unrepentant followers into intense tribulation. Swindoll concludes with an urgent plea for parents and leaders to protect the “innocent” from deceptive influences. Drawing on insights from Josh McDowell, he challenges the church to be not only “evidentially credible” but also “relationally relevant” to a generation that values connection over logic, urging believers to model close family relationships and compassion without compromising the truth [36–38].

Message Key Facts:

• The “New” Tolerance: Swindoll defines the cultural shift in tolerance. Traditional tolerance meant treating people with dignity despite disagreement. The “new tolerance” claims all truth is relative, labeling anyone who holds to absolutes as bigoted or hateful [7–9].
• The “Sentinel Town”: Thyatira is described as a “cup-bearer” town or a speed bump. Its military purpose was to slow down an invading army just long enough to protect the larger capital city of Pergamum. Though historically “unimportant,” it mattered to the Lord [13–14].
• Christ’s Unique Title: This is the only place in the Book of Revelation where Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of God” (Verse 18), emphasizing His divine authority [15–16].
• Eyes of Fire, Feet of Bronze: Swindoll interprets Christ’s “eyes like a flame of fire” as His ability to see secrets and search minds (referencing Hebrews 4:13), while “burnished bronze” feet represent Purity stamping out impurity [16–17].
• The Identity of Jezebel: Swindoll rejects the theory that “Jezebel” was the pastor’s wife or Lydia from Acts 16. He posits she was likely a specific woman in the congregation who mirrored the characteristics of the Old Testament Queen Jezebel: idolatry, manipulation, and immorality [23–25].
• The “Deep Things of Satan”: The false teaching in Thyatira likely mirrored Gnosticism, where people claimed to have “deep” esoteric knowledge. They taught that since matter is evil, one could indulge in physical sins without harming the spirit—a teaching Swindoll notes is still present in cults today [28–29].
• Salvation vs. Judgment: Commenting on verse 23 (“give to each one of you according to your deeds”), Swindoll establishes a theological principle: Salvation is always according to faith, but judgment is always according to works.
• The Morning Star: The reward for those who overcome is “the Morning Star.” Swindoll identifies this as Jesus giving the believer Himself, as He calls Himself the Morning Star in Revelation 22:16 [31–32].
• Five Areas for Apologetics: Quoting Josh McDowell, Swindoll lists five ways to reach a relativistic culture:
  1. Develop Community.
  2. Show Compassion.
  3. Protect Creation.
  4. Model close marital/family relationships.
  5. Offer a compelling personal testimony [38–39].

Message References:

• Revelation 2:18–29: The primary text containing the letter to the church in Thyatira.
• 1 Corinthians 13 & Romans 12: Referenced as examples of biblical tolerance (bearing all things, living in harmony) versus the “new” tolerance.
• Hebrews 4:13: “All things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (connected to Jesus’ eyes of fire).
• Acts 16:14: Mentions Lydia, a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira.
• 1 Kings 16–21: The historical account of Queen Jezebel, used to explain the character of the false teacher in Thyatira.
• Revelation 22:16: Identifies Jesus as “the bright and morning star”.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll