Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 2:24

"But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden." — Revelation 2:24 (ASV)

Christ’s only command to the church at Thyatira was probably for the minority who had sufficient insight to penetrate Jezebel’s deception. They are simply to “hold on to what you have” (i.e., their insight into Jezebel’s teaching and evil deeds) till Christ returns (v.25). This small group may have been nearer his standard than any other group mentioned in Revelation because they could discriminate between authentic and spurious worship.

The reference to “Satan’s so-called deep secrets” is ambiguous (cf. “the deep things of God” in 1 Corinthians 2:10). This is probably an actual phrase that Jezebel used. But how could she lure Christians by using such a term? The reasoning of some in the early church (the Nicolaitans) might have gone something like this: The only effective way to confront Satan is to enter into his strongholds; the real nature of sin can only be learned by experience, and therefore only those who have really experienced sin can truly appreciate grace. So by experiencing the depths of paganism (“the deep secrets of Satan”), one will be better equipped to serve Christ or be an example of freedom to one’s fellow believers (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:9– 11). Thus the sin of Jezebel was deadly serious because of the depths of its deception. Only a few perceived where the teaching was leading.

“Until I come” is the first of several references to the second coming of Christ in these letters (cf. 1:7).