The one called ‘Jezebel’, prophet of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to John our brother: Grace to you and peace.

It is with great trepidation, with fear and trembling, that I find myself putting ink to paper. Indeed, you may say, with what audacity does that woman dare to respond to such uncompromising words of prophecy? Surely the authoritative word of the heavenly Son of Man is final? Surely there is no come-back in the face of visions and revelations of the Lord?

But respond I must, for your prophetic oracle, and the vivid description of your visions received on Patmos, have thrown our little community into turmoil. No doubt that was your hope. No doubt you wished that I be discredited amongst the saints here in Thyatira (though I thank God that this has not yet happened, such are our bonds of familial loyalty). That much seems evident from the ‘word of the Lord’ you wish to mediate to us. But – I speak as one prophet to another, though this is bound to make your hackles rise! – are you sure that you have not confused your own animosity with the spirit of prophecy? Must one interpret your heavenly visions only in the way you present them to us? I wonder. For in those damning words of the Son of Man, I can hear the familiar tones of my brother and old sparring partner John.