Letters to the 7 Churches of Revelation. Pt. 5 Smyrna: Murders & Martyrs
Psalm 97:10-11 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he
delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown
for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Rome
maintained an administrative presence in the city as well as some peacekeeping
troops because Smyrna received the same status enjoyed by Ephesus. It was a
free city, meaning that the Romans allowed them a generous degree
of self-determination.
More trouble was coming but Jesus told them "Fear not."
The word "fear" is recognizable in the English word "phobia." The word means being terrified and running away, startled or seized with alarm. Phobia means having an intense illogical fear of something.
The Lord of Glory told them to fear none of the things that were going to happen to them. Thus, the Lord is letting them know beforehand that more trouble is headed their way and that they should continue living for Christ no matter what happens.
When Jesus said "Fear not" to His disciples He offered reassurance and comfort that they needed to hear. In the examples below Jesus tells Peter about his new vocation as a fisher of men.
Luke 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
When Jairus learned that his only daughter had died before Jesus could go see her, the Lord told him "Fear not: believe only." The account ends with Jesus raising her from the dead.
Luke 8:50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Satan will bring fiery trials to the church of Smyrna
Some Christians at Smyrna were cast into prison for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The devil was behind the persecution. This is like when he entered Judas in order to influence him to betray Christ.
Luke 22:3-6 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
Tribulation means that they were going to be under extreme pressure for the sake of the Gospel of Christ.
Martyrdom was going to happen to some of the believers in Smyrna. Jesus encouraged them to remain faithful until the end. This may be what Christ was teaching His disciples in Matthew 10. It is the idea of being willing to count all things as loss in order to gain eternal life with Jesus Christ.
Matthew 10:34-39 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the giver of all life and the sustainer of all life. (John 1:1-5) Those that might be killed for the sake of His name would be given a crown of life and not be present at the great white throne judgment and the second death.
Impact of the church of Smyrna
This church was working for the Lord Jesus Christ and they were spreading the gospel in that city. They also suffered the loss of their personal property, a loss of standing in the local synagogue and endured much hardship for the cause of Christ.
Yet, they seemed to be remaining faithful and not discouraged. They were being martyred but the Author of life promised to grant them eternal life.
Points to Ponder....
May we all enjoy a blessed Lord's Day on this Sunday. This quote from Psalm 97 seems appropriate to share as we consider the letter to the church at Smyrna. God's people should hate evil and place full trust in the God who can preserve their soul. Jehovah is faithful to grant deliverance from the hands of the enemies. He will give us light in our soul and gladness in our heart.
What do we know about Smyrna?
There is far less archaeological evidence because the site of the New Testament city has been more or less continuously occupied and much of the ancient city is buried. The photo below shows some of the ancient ruins of Smyrna.
Smyrna was typical of the cities where each of the seven churches was established. It had a large population estimated between 250,000 and 350,000 people.
Rome
maintained an administrative presence in the city as well as some peacekeeping
troops because Smyrna received the same status enjoyed by Ephesus. It was a
free city, meaning that the Romans allowed them a generous degree
of self-determination.
Like the other cities, Smyrna had access to key land and sea trade routes and recorded a high level of commercial activity.
Several religious cults propagated paganism in Smyrna.
The translation of the name Smyrna as
“bittersweet” would seem to be a most appropriate description for a church that suffered much persecution. Smyrna is derived from the Hebrew
word “myrrh” which means pleasure mixed with extreme sadness.
The risen Lord Jesus Christ speaks to Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11 “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”
The risen Lord Jesus Christ speaks to Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11 “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”
This is one of two churches that Jesus found no fault with. Christ began HIs assessment of the Church of Smyrna by reminding them that He is the first and the last which was dead and is now alive. He is the giver of eternal life to all who turn to him in repentant faith for salvation.
The Apostle John wrote about Christ several decades prior to writing Revelation. In his prologue, John showed us that Jesus Christ, the Word, is God and Creator. He is the source of life.
John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
The Apostle John wrote about Christ several decades prior to writing Revelation. In his prologue, John showed us that Jesus Christ, the Word, is God and Creator. He is the source of life.
John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Next, Jesus tells them He knows what they have been doing as a church body and the text seems to indicate that they endured much suffering for doing gospel work. The word tribulation means suffering affliction, great distress and unrelenting pressure.
Decades earlier, Jesus taught His disciples including John that they would suffer for His name's sake. The church in Smyrna was enduring trouble because of their stand for Jesus Christ.
Matthew 10:22-24 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
Decades earlier, Jesus taught His disciples including John that they would suffer for His name's sake. The church in Smyrna was enduring trouble because of their stand for Jesus Christ.
Matthew 10:22-24 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
The Christians at Smyrna suffered from extreme poverty. This word means destitute of wealth and resorting to begging. Jesus comforts them by saying that though they may be poor in the world's eyes they are rich in spiritual things.
This is a good lesson for believers in any age to learn: the things of God are vastly better than anything the world offers. Better to have treasure in heaven rather than treasure on earth that can be stolen or corrupted.
This is a good lesson for believers in any age to learn: the things of God are vastly better than anything the world offers. Better to have treasure in heaven rather than treasure on earth that can be stolen or corrupted.
This brings to mind the clear teaching of Christ in the Beatitudes regarding earthly treasure compared with heavenly treasure. It appears the Smyrnan believers focused on things above not on things in the earth.
Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Jewish converts to Christ were mistreated by their kinsmen
Jewish converts to Christ were mistreated by their kinsmen
Smyrna had a notable Jewish population and the gospel often was shared in Jewish synagogues before it was shared with Gentiles. Some of the Jews resisted the gospel and were mean spirited toward those who shared truth about Christ.
This seems to be the case here and Christ singled out those who said they were Jews but in reality were not. They were blasphemers and this means that what they said was untrue or irreverent things about God.
Synagogue of Satan
This seems to be the case here and Christ singled out those who said they were Jews but in reality were not. They were blasphemers and this means that what they said was untrue or irreverent things about God.
Synagogue of Satan
Often times Jewish converts to Christ were expelled from the synagogue and their property confiscated. This is a likely reason for the poverty that they experienced. Jesus had very strong words of condemnation for Jews who engaged in this sin by calling them the synagogue of Satan.
The sharp rebuke to the Jews from the lips of Christ remind us of words He spoke to the Jews during His earthly ministry. Jesus said that the Jews who refused to believe on Him for salvation were children of the devil.
John 8:44-45 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
They claimed to be Jews but routinely broke the law of God with their actions. This is a real tragedy because Jewish synagogues were to be a place where Jehovah was honored and where Gentiles could come to hear about the One, True God of Heaven. Instead, God was dishonored.
The sharp rebuke to the Jews from the lips of Christ remind us of words He spoke to the Jews during His earthly ministry. Jesus said that the Jews who refused to believe on Him for salvation were children of the devil.
John 8:44-45 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
They claimed to be Jews but routinely broke the law of God with their actions. This is a real tragedy because Jewish synagogues were to be a place where Jehovah was honored and where Gentiles could come to hear about the One, True God of Heaven. Instead, God was dishonored.
More trouble was coming but Jesus told them "Fear not."
The word "fear" is recognizable in the English word "phobia." The word means being terrified and running away, startled or seized with alarm. Phobia means having an intense illogical fear of something.
The Lord of Glory told them to fear none of the things that were going to happen to them. Thus, the Lord is letting them know beforehand that more trouble is headed their way and that they should continue living for Christ no matter what happens.
When Jesus said "Fear not" to His disciples He offered reassurance and comfort that they needed to hear. In the examples below Jesus tells Peter about his new vocation as a fisher of men.
Luke 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
When Jairus learned that his only daughter had died before Jesus could go see her, the Lord told him "Fear not: believe only." The account ends with Jesus raising her from the dead.
Luke 8:50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
Satan will bring fiery trials to the church of Smyrna
Some Christians at Smyrna were cast into prison for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The devil was behind the persecution. This is like when he entered Judas in order to influence him to betray Christ.
Luke 22:3-6 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
Tribulation means that they were going to be under extreme pressure for the sake of the Gospel of Christ.
Martyrdom was going to happen to some of the believers in Smyrna. Jesus encouraged them to remain faithful until the end. This may be what Christ was teaching His disciples in Matthew 10. It is the idea of being willing to count all things as loss in order to gain eternal life with Jesus Christ.
Matthew 10:34-39 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the giver of all life and the sustainer of all life. (John 1:1-5) Those that might be killed for the sake of His name would be given a crown of life and not be present at the great white throne judgment and the second death.
Impact of the church of Smyrna
This church was working for the Lord Jesus Christ and they were spreading the gospel in that city. They also suffered the loss of their personal property, a loss of standing in the local synagogue and endured much hardship for the cause of Christ.
Yet, they seemed to be remaining faithful and not discouraged. They were being martyred but the Author of life promised to grant them eternal life.
Points to Ponder....
- Sometimes our families will shun us when we are born again.
- Sometimes we may lose our job because of choosing to live for Christ.
- Sometimes the devil is going to attack us.
- There are Christians being martyred in some parts of the world.
- The Lord of Glory says "Fear not."
- The Lord of Glory says "Be faithful even to death."
The church in America has become much more like the world in the past few decades as a result of truth being compromised and God's standards being lowered. The the church in America has had very little persecution compared to the home churches in China or Christians in the Middle East.
No matter what goes on in the world, our Lord has called us to be faithful. Pray that our God honoring pastors will stay strong and be used of God to disciple faithful men, women and children. Pray that the Lord's encouraging words will stick in our hearts during discouraging times. Pray that we are willing to give up all in order to follow Jesus Christ.
Bob
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