Revelation 2:20
Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)
لكن عندي عليك قليل انك تسيّب المرأة ايزابل التي تقول انها نبية حتى تعلّم وتغوي عبيدي ان يزنوا ويأكلوا ما ذبح للاوثان.
What Does This Mean?
This verse is from Jesus speaking to a church leader in Thyatira. He points out the problem with allowing someone called Jezebel, who claims to be a prophetess, to mislead followers into immoral behavior and idol worship.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your friend said they could predict the future but was actually lying about it and getting others to do bad things like stealing. Jesus is telling the church leader that letting this happen is not okay.
Historical Background
Revelation, written by John around 95 AD, addresses seven churches in Asia Minor. This verse highlights issues within one of these churches where a woman named Jezebel was causing harm through false prophecy and immoral teachings.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this could apply to situations where someone in a leadership role allows harmful or misleading behavior to continue under the guise of spiritual guidance, impacting the community negatively.
Topics
leadershipfalse prophecymoralitychurch disciplinespiritual discernmentidolatry
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jezebel mentioned in this verse?
Jezebel here refers to a woman who falsely claimed to be a prophetess and misled others into sinning, similar to how the historical Queen Jezebel led Israel astray.
What does 'fornication' mean in this context?
'Fornication' often referred to sexual immorality or unfaithfulness, which can include actions that are spiritually disloyal, not just physical acts.
How is eating idol sacrifices seen as a sin?
Eating food sacrificed to idols was considered sinful because it implied participation in and approval of false worship, contradicting God's commandments.
Why does Jesus specifically mention this issue?
Jesus highlights this issue to emphasize the importance of spiritual purity and to warn against tolerating false teaching within the church community.