That understanding is unlikely because the Lord would punish “those who commit adultery with her” with “great tribulation” (Revelation 2:22), while “her children” he would “strike…dead.” Repeatedly in Scripture those who embrace a teacher’s teachings as their own are called their “children” (1 Kings 20:35; 1 Timothy 1:2). That would mean that some of Jezebel’s followers in Thyatira were more radical than others, to the point of following her teachings zealously. These are the ones the Lord would “strike…dead.” This is consistent with what the Lord did with Athaliah, the daughter of Jezebel’s husband Ahab (2 Kings 8:26; 2 Kings 11:1–3; perhaps she was the biological daughter of Jezebel, though Scripture nowhere says that). Athaliah certainly was a fervent “child” of Jezebel’s mindset, as both the conduct of her husband Jehoram and her own conduct as queen demonstrated. In keeping with the Lord’s promise concerning Ahab’s house (1 Kings 21:21, fulfilled in 2 Kings 10:7–11), Athaliah was struck dead (2 Kings 11:16). Something similar would happen to those in the church of Thyatira who committed themselves to Jezebel’s teachings.
23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.