Revelation 2:26a To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end . . .
The letter concludes with a two-part blessing. This verse begins with a clear statement about who will receive the blessing described in the following verses. The opening clause identifies two differences between the Thyatirans who followed Jezebel and those who remained true to Jesus. The first quality is victory (nikōn). This word assumes an adversary. In the case of the church in Thyatira, the adversary was clearly Jezebel, but she (or those with similar behaviors) also faced Satan and his deceptions. Sin was crouching at the door (Genesis 4:7) and Satan wanted to get a foot inside (Ephesians 4:27). The followers of Jezebel’s moral and spiritual compromise had given into the temptations of their culture or failed to break from their old practices. Those who overcame these temptations and lived in holiness experienced victory with all its rewards in this lifetime and in eternity.
The second quality was doing Jesus’ will and not giving up when cultural pressures and temptations came. Obedience is the key to discipleship and being a follower of Jesus. To the immature believer or unbeliever, obedience may seem like a burden that cannot be borne. Many people of the world see the Bible as full of rules, so they reject it as outdated or as burdensome. They choose what they perceive as the easier road, which often involves following selfish desires of the deceived flesh. The wide road at first seems pleasant and fulfilling, but it is filled with many empty promises. The more difficult road also has promises, but these promises are true and bring life and peace. Victory comes in staying on the small road less traveled. Obedience is closely linked to faith; they are two sides of the same coin. Obedience must be powered by faith. The world Jezebel represented to the Thyatirans enticed them to take what seemed like the easier way of doing things their own way. The promise ended in disaster. Jesus praised those in this church who remained true to the end, even if it cost them.