Daily Devotional For February 28, 2025
And I have against you that you permit the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and deceive My servants to commit fornication and eat food offered to idols. I have given her time in order that she might repent, but she was not willing to repent of her sexual immorality. Rev 2:20-21.
John’s Christian opponents are here called followers of Jezebel. Whoever she was, she appears to represent the Thyatira branch of the group labeled “Nicolaitans” and “those who hold to the teaching of Balaam” (Rev 2:14-15). Apparently all three names represent the same group because all three names involve the same two problems: eating food offered to idols and committing fornication. Interestingly enough, when you go to the Christian writings of the following century, the same two issues are front row center.
All non-Jews in the Empire were required to participate in Roman civil religion. The Romans tolerated all kinds of religious practices, but no matter what your religion was or where you came from, you were also expected to participate in the ceremonies and public events of Roman society. These events were somewhat like the Fourth of July parade in the United States. It did not matter what religion you were, it was part of your duty as a citizen to participate.
There were serious consequences for citizens who did not participate in the civil religion, even when the death penalty was not in view. They would be ostracized from the trade guilds, where people networked to build their businesses. They would lose their influence on the development of society or the improvement of their position within it. Lack of participation in the civil religion also resulted in the loss of social opportunities. As a result those who refused to participate in Roman civil religion became poor, powerless, social outcasts.
In the Western world today wealth and security seem to represent the highest goals of secular society. But in the Greco-Roman world there was an even higher goal, status. It was a world that reveled in the honor and esteem of others, and poured shame on those who did not conform. In such a world, the restrictions of Christian life and practice virtually guaranteed exclusion from honor and status in one’s own neighborhood.
So first-century Christians who refused to participate in Roman civil religion suffered serious consequences in business, civil affairs and social contact. The gospel is free but it can cost us our reputations, our families, our jobs, and even our lives. Jesus calls His followers to total commitment, no matter what the cost. That total commitment is rewarded with meaning and purpose in this life and exalted status in the life to come.
Lord, too often I have compromised my commitment to You because of the attractions of this life. I renew my commitment to You from this day forward.