“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write…” (Rev. 2:8a)
Smyrna, in John’s day, was a port on the western coast of Asia, and it remains a great city, even today, known by its modern Turkish name, “Izmir”. Due to its location at the head of the gulf, it boasted a well-protected harbour and was a natural terminal of inland trade. Historically, Symrna was famous for science, medicine and the majesty of its buildings.*
In Jesus’ address to this church, He identifies Himself as being “the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life.” (Rev. 2:8). Thus the attribute of Himself that Jesus wishes to emphasize is His authority over sin and death. He is the first fruit of the resurrection!
Jesus then continues with the commendation: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” (Rev. 2:9)
Of note is that history tells us the church of Smyrna was heavily persecuted. In fact, a bishop of Smyrna who had been a disciple of John, Polycarp by name, was martyred in this city in A.D. 155.* It is with a foreknowledge of what would come that Jesus says these words, and as a result, this is the message of Jesus to every persecuted Christian today! God knows your works! He sees your tribulation, and He recognizes your poverty! Nonetheless, because of these things, you can consider yourselves rich! Did Jesus not say, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5:12)? Did He not say, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt 5:10-12 NKJV)?
But this message is not only for the persecuted church, for there are many Christians who do not live in places where Christians are persecuted and this message is still for each of us! Whenever we find yourselves in the midst of trials and problems, let’s remember the message to the Church in Smyrna: Though we have troubles, we “are rich”! Those who speak evil against us are of “a synagogue of Satan”!
Jesus goes on to warn the church that persecution will last a while longer, but that it will not be forever: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.” (Rev. 2:10 NKJV)
We can take great courage in these words. Whatever it is we’re going through will have an end! It won’t last forever!
And Jesus also gives us a picture here of why the trouble is being allowed! It is so that we may be tested! And once we emerge from our time of testing, we will be refined by fire (See Mal. 3:2)!
And then comes the promise: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” (Rev 2:8-11 NKJV)
Remember the attribute of Jesus brought forth in this letter? “the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life” (Rev. 2:8)
Jesus holds the keys to both death and life! In the authority given to Him by His death and resurrection, He can say with all Truth: If we hold on, even until death on this earth, we will receive The Crown of Life and we will not be hurt by the second death!
In other words, we will be part of the living multitude, destined to live for eternity with Jesus!
Isn’t that the best prize of all?
Remember, the triumphant lion is represented by a slain lamb! The last will be first! No matter what form our persecution takes, we can take heart from the letter to the Church of Smyrna! Our persecution will not last forever, and if we are faithful to Jesus through it all, we will receive the crown of life, and we will not need to fear the second death!
No matter what our troubles are today, let’s hold on to Jesus! He will give us the strength to get through, and oh, how glorious the prize!
Join us next week for Studies on the Seven Churches of Revelation, Part 4: To the Church in Pergamos.
In His love,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two teens, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, www.scripturalnuggets.org, with Answers2Prayer Ministries.
* Taken from commentary given in The Archaeological Study Bible, New International Version, Copywright 2005 by the Zondervan Corporation, pages 2047.
(To access the entire “Studies on the Seven Churches of Revelation” mini-series, please click here.)