¶ And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet [are] like fine brass;
And {G2532} unto the angel {G32} of the church {G1577} in {G1722} Thyatira {G2363} write {G1125}; These things {G3592} saith {G3004} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}, who {G3588} hath {G2192} his {G846} eyes {G3788} like {G5613} unto a flame {G5395} of fire {G4442}, and {G2532} his {G846} feet {G4228} are like {G3664} fine brass {G5474};
“To the angel of the Messianic Community in Thyatira, write: ‘Here is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like burnished brass:
To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like a blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze.
And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished brass:
-
Revelation 1:14
His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire; -
Revelation 1:15
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. -
Revelation 1:11
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. -
John 3:35
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. -
John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. -
Psalms 2:7
¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee. -
Matthew 3:17
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Introduction to Revelation 2:18
Revelation 2:18 introduces the fourth of the seven letters to the churches of Asia Minor, specifically addressing the Christian community in Thyatira. This verse establishes the divine authority of the message by presenting the speaker, Jesus Christ, with a powerful and symbolic description that underscores His attributes of discerning knowledge and unwavering judgment.
Context of Thyatira
Thyatira was a prosperous commercial city, known for its powerful trade guilds (e.g., dyers, potters, tanners). Membership in these guilds was often crucial for economic survival but typically involved participation in pagan feasts and idol worship, creating significant pressure for Christians to compromise their faith. This letter follows the messages to Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamos, each revealing Christ’s intimate knowledge of the specific challenges faced by His followers.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The title "Son of God" (Greek: huios tou theou) is a powerful declaration of Jesus' divine nature, reinforcing His inherent authority to speak to the churches. The phrase "eyes like unto a flame of fire" (Greek: ophthalmoi hos phloga pyros) powerfully conveys intense scrutiny, purifying judgment, and divine discernment. "Fine brass" (Greek: chalkolibanon) refers to a highly polished, glowing bronze or electrum, often associated with strength, durability, and a divine radiance, reinforcing the idea of unshakeable divine judgment and stability.
Practical Application
For believers today, Revelation 2:18 serves as a profound reminder of Christ's omnipresence and omniscience. He sees all—our actions, our motives, and our spiritual compromises. This image of the Son of God with fiery eyes and feet of brass encourages faithfulness and integrity, especially when faced with pressures to conform to worldly standards. It assures us that while He is a loving Shepherd, He is also a righteous Judge, whose discerning gaze penetrates all pretense and whose judgments are firm and just. It calls us to live in accountability before Him, knowing that He fully understands our circumstances and will ultimately reward faithfulness and address unrepentant sin.