Revelation #3: The Church of Smyrna, The Persecuted Church

Understanding Smyrna: The Persecuted Church

The second letter in the book of Revelation is directed to Smyrna, a significant port city located about 50 kilometers north of Ephesus. Unlike Ephesus, which lies in ruins today, Smyrna remains a vital harbor with a population of around 200,000 people, known today as Izmir. The name “Smyrna” means “myrrh,” a resin derived from a bush that is used in perfumes and medicines. When myrrh is pressed, it releases a delightful aroma, and it was often used to scent beds and clothing. In Psalm 45:8, the king wore garments scented with myrrh at his wedding. The wise men also brought myrrh to the baby Jesus, and it was used for embalming the bodies. While the Christians in Smyrna faced great afflictions, their testimony was like myrrh, a sweet savor to God.

The Lord’s Description to Smyrna

Verse 8 states, “Write to the angel of the Church in Smyrna: These are the words of the First and Last, who was dead and came to life.” Here, the Lord describes Himself as eternal. He is the “First and the Last,” signifying that He has always existed and will continue to exist in the future. In Isaiah 44:6, the Eternal proclaims, “I am the first and the last; apart from me there is no God.” What the Father is, the Son is as well, affirming their unity. Jesus Christ, referred to as “He who was dead,” references His crucifixion. He is also known as “He who came to life,” referring to His resurrection. Through these words, the Lord reminds the Church in Smyrna that He, the eternal one, took on flesh and chose to endure death. Even God’s eternal Son willingly submitted to rejection and persecution. However, He is victorious, and believers in Smyrna can rejoice in their ultimate victory through Him.

The Evaluation of the Lord

In Verse 9, He says, “I know your afflictions and your poverty, yet you are rich, and I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Notably, the Lord offers no rebuke to His church in Smyrna. In His evaluation, Jesus highlights three aspects. First, He acknowledges their distress and suffering. How comforting it is to know that the Lord is aware of His disciples’ struggles. “I know” signifies that He understands their situations and what they endure. Consider John Bunyan, the author of “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” who faced persecution and spent over 12 years in prison. Despite the challenges, he preached to crowds of up to 3,000 people. The essence of life is not about ease, but about usefulness. Historically, the church in Smyrna symbolizes the post-apostolic Church, from the late first century until Constantine’s time in the early fourth century. Persecution never harmed the Church of Jesus Christ; instead, it proved to be purifying. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church,” as the saying goes. Remember the Lord’s words, “If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).ensuing glory speak to you; and let the trumpet of His second coming resonate in your ears…”

The Lord’s Call to Endurance

Verse 10 states, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison that you may be tested, and you will have ten days of tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This isn’t the comforting message we might hope for, yet amidst the complexities of life, one truth shines through: the sovereign will of God. His perfect will is indeed the best for each of us. This is reminiscent of how Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, saying, “Not my will, but Your will be done.” We must refrain from asking God for anything that contradicts His divine intentions. To the faithful in Smyrna, the promise from the Lord included not relief from suffering, but, instead, the anticipation of increased hardships. The enemy seeks to extinguish the testimony of Jesus Christ in Smyrna through imprisonment. Suffering often serves as an instrument to deepen our faith, teach us self-awareness, and empower the Church to impact society meaningfully.

In the Arabian Peninsula, the Christian population is rising. Concerns have emerged at high levels about the increasing number of churches. A notably influential figure remarked, “We need to remove them.” Believers are not immune to temptation; the devil seeks to have Christians fall away from their faith. Therefore, it is crucial for our lives to remain free of any unforgiveness, illicit desires, or actions inconsistent with God’s will, as the enemy will always look for an entry point. “You will have ten days of tribulation.” What could “ten days” signify? Some interpret these days as a representation of all the persecutions the Church has faced. Others see them as specific tribulations under the Roman emperors. Likely, it suggests a limited period. The scripture often indicates such limited durations; for instance, in Genesis 24:55, Rebecca’s family asked her to stay “at least ten days” before leaving for Isaac. Likewise, Daniel requested to eat vegetables and drink water for “ten days” to distinguish himself from others.

Embracing the Promise: Crown of Life

Ten days are nothing compared to eternity. Though afflictions are temporary, the goodness of the Lord is everlasting. Praise His Name! The Lord warned, “In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In the face of upcoming trials, the Lord exhorts His disciples in Smyrna with two brief commands: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer” and “Do not be afraid…” These tribulations cannot remove your eternal blessing in Christ. You are safe in God’s hands. If the Lord permits a trial, being wise and good, it can only be for your benefit and the advancement of God’s kingdom! One day, a man approached Tertullian, a 2nd-century apologist, expressing his struggle in faith and work that felt unjust. Tertullian asked, “Must you live at any cost?” The directive, “Be faithful unto death,” reflects that while at Smyrna, none had yet been martyred, many were due for prison or death.

Polycarp served as the bishop of the church in Smyrna and was martyred by burning in 155 AD. When arrested, he offered his captors food and drink. During transport to the arena, the captain urged him to recant, insisting there was no harm in saying, “Caesar is Lord.” However, Polycarp refused, which led to insults being hurled at him. Faced with pressure from the proconsul to swear allegiance to Caesar and curse Christ, Polycarp declared, “For 86 years, I have served Him, and He has done me no harm; how could I blaspheme my King and Savior?” In facing various trials, never doubt God’s goodness! During crises, do not mimic Job’s wife’s urge to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9). Instead, let us emulate Job himself, who said, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him” (Job 13:15). Life presents many difficulties—marital issues, child-rearing challenges, workplace pressures, health problems—but God remains faithful and good, always sovereign.

Victory in Christ: The Second Death

The Lord promises that those who endure will receive “the crown of life” (v. 10). In the face of death, He assures us of eternal rewards. If you are presently facing a trial, be encouraged! James reminds us, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). Verse 11 cautions, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.” Who are the conquerors? All believers. Through our union with Jesus Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8). Regardless of individual experiences, this remains a truth. Jesus assured, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life; he does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24).

The “second death” implies eternal separation from God, intended for those who fail to accept His grace, not for those in Christ, who enjoy eternal blessings with Him. The lake of fire designated in Revelation 20:14 is for the devil and his angels, not for humanity (Matthew 25:41). Everyone who eschews God’s grace faces the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). “The Lord… is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This serves as an urgent appeal to those the Lord places in our path: God has provided for your salvation; turn to Him!

We must not disregard this letter. It speaks to: the church from the late 1st century to the 4th century when Emperor Constantine allegedly converted to Christianity in 312, making it the state religion; the Church throughout its history, which has encountered persecution; and many of us facing various afflictions and pressures. John Chrysostom, a church father born around 350 in Antioch, was raised by his devout mother, Anthusa, who became a widow at the age of 20. Chrysostom became a renowned preacher at 36, facing many adversaries for his uncompromising denunciations of sin. When summoned before Emperor Arcadius and threatened with banishment for proclaiming Jesus, he replied, “Sir, you cannot banish me, for the world is my Father’s house.” As Arcadius continued to threaten him, he answered each with steadfast faith, affirming that his true treasures and connections lie in heaven. In light of the words of this letter from Jesus to His Church, we too bear personal responsibility to remain steadfast. Let us embrace Paul’s words as he faced imminent martyrdom: “But you, be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer

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