tained representations of the Sun-god on small pillars, while a large statue of the same deity was set up in front. At these sanctuaries Ahab in person offered sacrifices.
Expositors are divided as to the symbolic import of the name in this passage, some referring it toa single person—“ some single wicked woman in the Church of Thyatira inheriting this name of infamy in the Church of God,” giving herself out as a prophetess, and seducing the servants of Christ to commit forn- ication and to eat things offered to idols. Others interpret the name as designating an influential heretical party in the Church: but, as Alford remarks, “the real solution must lie hidden until all that is hidden shall be known.” It is clear, at any rate, that Thyatira, like the Church of old, had sinned by her alliance with a corrupt faith and practice.
To teach and to seduce (dsddcrew cal rravaota). The best texts read xal S:ddoKer nat wrAava and she teacheth and seduceth. So Rev. For seduceth see on err, Mark xii. 24, and deceiver and error, Matt. xxviii. 63, 64. The word mavay to seduce is found oftener in the Apocalypse than elsewhere in the New Testament. It never means mere error as such, but fundamental departure from the truth.
To commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols. Both sins of the historical Jezebel. See 2 Kings ix. 22, 30; Jer. iv. 30; Nahum iii. 4,
21. Space (xpovov). Lit., time, as Rev. Repent (ueravojcn). See on Matt. iii. 2; xxi. 29.
Of her fornication (éx). Lit., out of; i.e., so as to come out of and escape from her sin. See on ver. 7.
22. Into a bed. Of anguish. The scene of the sin is also the scene of the punishment.
Commit adultery (pocyevovras). A wider term than mopvetoas to commit fornication. Compare the metaphorical