Smyrna

Revelation 2:8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Smyrna was a beautiful, wealthy harbor city on the Aegean Sea, south of Troy, and north of Ephesus, and like all of the seven Churches addressed by Christ, Smyrna was located in what is now modern day Turkey. The city had been destroyed in 580 BC and was rebuilt as a planned city in 290 BC. Smyrna was important to Rome as a center for Emperor worship. In 195 BC a temple was built for the Goddess of Rome. There was also a temple to the Emperor Tiberius, under whom Christ was crucified.

Smyrna was famous for its athletic games. The victors were awarded crowns of wreaths on the Temple Mount.

Finally, Smyrna was the home of a large and influential Jewish colony. These Jews were very hostile towards the Christians.

Revelation 2:8 To the pastor of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last,

Here, referring back to Revelation 1:17, Christ refers to himself as the First and Last. Which is itself a reference to Old Testament prophesy: Isaiah 44:6 & 48:12

This expression identifies Christ as The Lord of all of history. In an ironic twist, in addressing the planned city of Smyrna, Christ called himself the planner, controller, and determiner of all that comes to pass from beginning to end.

That Christ oversees all of history was a great comfort to not only the Christians of Smyrna, as they lived in a hostile culture, but to all Christians throughout history who face persecution.

That the Son of God from the beginning to the end of the world, gathers, defends, and preserves to Himself by His spirit and Word, out of the whole race, a Church chosen to everlasting life, agreeing in true faith; and that I am and forever shall remain, a living member thereof. Question 54, Heidelberg Catechism

Or as Martin Luther assured persecuted believers in his time: The Christian’s chief and only comfort in adversity lies in knowing that God does not lie, but brings all things to pass immutably, and that his work cannot be resisted, altered, or impeded.

Revelation 2:8 who died and came to life again.

Christ claimed total sovereignty, even over death. In overcoming death he is authorized to offer the promise of life to all who follow him.

As Paul explained, Christ is the first fruits of all who die in The Lord, I Corinthians 15:20-22, guaranteeing our resurrection as well, so that even death is swallowed up in victory. I Corinthians 15:54

The Church members in Smyrna are about to face persecution. So that they are able to keep the coming persecution in perspective, Christ who conquered death, offers life eternal to his followers.

Revelation 2:9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!

It was not easy to be a Christian in Smyrna. They faced affliction, tribulation, and poverty. They were literally destitute. They were discriminated against in the economy. They were plundered. Hebrews 10:34

Of these seven letters to the Churches, Christ spoke no word of condemnation to either Smyrna or Philadelphia. Could the same be said of us? Would Christ only acknowledge our hard work and faithfulness? Christ comforts them by reminding them that though they face tribulation and poverty, though they lacked money, yet spiritually they are rich. Christ reminded them about the Biblical perspective on poverty and wealth.

The Bible has much to say about the problems of material wealth.

Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; For they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them… People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish. Psalm 49:16-20

See also:

Psalm 52:5-7, 73:3-8, 12-19

Ezekiel 7:19

Matthew 19:24

Luke 6:24, 12:15-21

I Timothy 6:17-19

Hebrews 11:26

James 1:9-11

The Bible also explains the true wealth that we are to desire.

Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be. Matthew 6:19-21

Sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Come follow me… At the renewal of all things, when the son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the tribes of Israel. Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:21, 28-29

This teaching is not just hyperbole. It is, for example, a reality for many Muslims who become Christians. For them to accept Christ as Savior means to abandon home, family, livelihood, and face death. Quran 34:5, Bukhari 52:260

See also:

Genesis 15:1

Psalm 37:16

Proverbs 10:2&22, 11:4&28, 15:16, 16:8

I Timothy 6:6

The Bible teaches how to put poverty into perspective and how to understand true wealth. With the phrase, I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! Christ brings to mind these teachings and encourages the believers at Smyrna, helping them put their situation into proper perspective. We may look around at non-believers and envy their wealth and health but we must realize it is, at best, only temporary and fleeting. On the other hand we are the true heirs of creation, having been adopted by our Father, the God of all creation.

Revelation 2:9 I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Next, Christ comforts the believers at Smyrna in stating that He knows and understands all about the slander and blasphemy of their persecutors – those who say they are Jews but are not. They are Israelites who have rejected Christ and, therefore, rejected the God of Abraham. There is a popularly held myth that teaches that non-Christian Jews are true believers in the God of the Old Testament. However, the Bible teaches that though they are blessed in many respects and though they have the words of God and though they will ultimately come to Christ, if they don’t acknowledge their Messiah, they are now, in God’s eyes Covenant- breaking apostates, who are, in fact, following Satan.

“Abraham is our father,” they answered.

“If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did.  ⁴⁰ As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.  ⁴¹ You are doing the works of your own father.”

“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”

⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.  ⁴³ Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.  ⁴⁴ You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:39-44

A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. ²⁹ No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. Romans 2:28-29

If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:7 & 29

Why don’t these Jews believe in Christ?

But their minds are made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  ¹⁸ And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.   II Corinthians 3:12-18

When Moses is read in the synagogue a veil covers their heart. They don’t see that Moses spoke of and pointed to Christ. They have pride in being Jews but are really pseudo-Jews. They are quick to bring accusations against the true children of Abraham.

Revelation 12:10 explains that Satan is the accuser. He brings accusations against God’s people. Satan’s children, the Jews of Smyrna, do the same, slandering and accusing the believers there.

Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.

The believers were to be put in prison. Their imprisonment was ascribed to Satan, yet it was the Jews who threw them into prison. Satan is the slanderer but he used political means: the machinery of government to work against God’s people. This is an old trick that he continues to employ today: having the government, whether it is a politburo, state, or even the local school board, oppose those who believe in Christ.

The Jews were jealous, formed a mob, started a riot, and accused believers of defying Caesar’s decrees. Acts 17:1-13

But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. Acts 13:50, and also: 14:2,5,19, 17:5, 24:1-2

See also: I Thessalonians 2:14-18

Satan is behind the persecution of the First Century Church by both the Jews and Rome. In fact, this is the general outline for Revelation:

The believers are told that they will suffer, but Christ urges them to be faithful even to the point of death.

This goes against a widely held teaching today: come to Christ for a grand and easy life. Great and wonderful things will happen to you if you just believe in Christ. Health, wealth, comfort, and ease are given as reasons for coming to faith. Compare that to the hardship faced by the believers in Smyrna: poverty, imprisonment, affliction, and death. Christ is realistic. He does not promise health, wealth or ease. He offers no way of immediate escape. They will face hardship and death. But they are told, do not be afraid. Regardless of the circumstances believers face, they can be assured that Christ will remain faithful and never abandon them.

The persecution is to last for ten days. The suffering is limited (Matthew 24:22, II Corinthians 4:17, I Peter 1:6) and under God’s control. Satan will cast you into prison but God sets limits on what Satan can do. Their imprisonment is under the sovereignty of God for a divine purpose. God is in control of the entire situation.

Revelation 2:10 I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

To the faithful, Christ will give the crown of life.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Smyrna was famous for its athletic games. The victor received a wreath of victory. The believers in Smyrna were well aware of the games and the honor of winning but because of their faith in Christ they were not allowed to participate; that honor could not be theirs. Christ plays on that theme and promises them, not a perishable crown but rather, a permanent victory crown for their faithfulness.

They will receive a crown that will last forever. I Corinthians 9:25

Revelation 2:11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

What is the second death?

Going back to Genesis 3, because of the sin and rebellion of our first parents, all humans will die. However, those who belong to Christ will not face the second death of eternal judgment. As we stand before the Judge, Christ, our Advocate, promises to present us faultless. Jude 1:14

For the believer death is crowned in life. Death is the entrance to life. James 1:12

If you have an ear: If the Spirit has opened your heart you will listen and understand. Often today non-Christians mock the term “born again” in much the same way that Nicodemus did. John 3:4 For those who are twice born there is no second death. Those who have not been twice born will face the second death.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna was put to death. The Proconsul threatened Polycarp with death if he did not proclaim Caesar as lord. Refusing, Polycarp was then threatened with wild beasts. The Proconsul threatened, “If you don’t fear wild beasts I’ll burn you with fire.” Polycarp responded, “You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour and after a little while is extinguished. But are ignorant of the coming judgment reserved for the ungodly and so why do you delay. Do what ever you will.” “Foxe, Voices of the Martyrs”

Believers will share the suffering of Christ. Philippians 3:10-11

However, even with the power of Satan and the State arrayed against them Christians are more than conquerors. Romans 8:33-39

Revelation 2:10 Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

One of the chief proofs of genuineness is the willingness to suffer for what we believe. The faithfulness of the true servant of God is proved when opposition comes. John Stott, “The Challenge of Preaching”