The Church of Smyrna

The church at Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11) stands in stark contrast with today's post-modern church world. Let's take a look at the whole passage, then we'll have a look at some specifics.

Revelation 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 2:9 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. 2:10 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. 2:11 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. (KJV)

The church of Smyrna and the church at Philadelphia are unique among the 7 churches of Revelation in that there was no warning or condemnation for them. For this reason alone, it behoves us to learn from their example. So let's take a look at this message to Smyrna in a little more detail:

Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive

As we have seen from our previous lesson in Ephesus- the way that Christ introduces Himself to each of the churches is significant. Here, He declares that He is "the first and the last" (signifying his deity as we know that God is the Alpha and Omega) and He "was dead, and is alive." The significance of this will be seen much more in the next few verses, as we realize that this church was under, and would face extreme persecution. Jesus is our ultimate example that we should follow "in His steps." As Smyrna was facing persecution and would face more in the coming days, Jesus lets them know that death does not have the final victory. Because He lives-there is hope beyond the grave-and there is a crown laid up in heaven for those who go by the way of martyrdom.

Rev 2:9 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

Again, Jesus lets the church know that He knows exactly what is going on. He knows our works (good and bad). He also sees their poverty and tribulation. I mentioned earlier that the church of Smyrna stands in stark contrast with the modern view of what church and Christianity is. Perspective is a key to many things in life-and what better perspective to know, than that of the Son of God. I love what He says to this church- "but thou art rich." You can be the poorest person in your neighborhood, but if you have a relationship with Jesus Christ-you are rich my friend! I don't want to get ahead of myself-but I think it's good to study the church of Smyrna in tandem with the church of Laodicea. The church at Smyrna is told that they are monetarily poor, but spiritually rich. Jesus said the exact opposite to the Laodicean church:

Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

It would seem that so much emphasis is being placed on monetary wealth in today's preaching from the television and radio pulpits. They have forgotten what Paul told Timothy in that "the love of money is the root of all evil." (see also our article on the prosperity gospel A biblical look at the prosperity gospel

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Jesus also addresses what seems to be the source of some of the persecution- apparently those who were persecuting them were religious Jews which Christ referred to as "the synagogue of satan." Those are strong words, and ones that reflect the true feelings of Christ towards those who persecute Christians. If you remember Paul's conversion on the Damascus road, you will remember that Jesus asked Paul why He was persecuting HIM (Acts 9:4). Paul (then called Saul of Tarsus) was persecuting the church, but Jesus let him know that he was persecuting Him by persecuting His church. The Lord takes very seriously, the acts which are done to His body!

Rev 2:10 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.

I think the modern church has convinced itself that Christ never has any words of pending danger for them. Here, we clearly see that God is warning them that more persecution is on the way- not just persecution but martyrdom (notice he says "be thou faithful unto death.") He also shows the author of this persecution-none other than the devil himself! The apostles were frequently beaten, imprisoned, mocked, scourged, treated badly. Some of today's "preachers" would deem that they had no faith because of this. Christ told us that we would indeed suffer- all who "live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." This may seem like a bleak picture, unless you look at the promise of a crown of life. Jesus told us in the gospels that we should not fear him who has the power only to destroy the body, but afterward could do nothing. The One we should fear, is the One who not only has power over the physical ,but the spiritual as well- God alone! Jesus was telling this church not to be afraid- even in the face of death! Why could He tell them this and expect to comfort them with these words? Because He himself, was alive, then crucified, but now ALIVE FOREVERMORE!!!!! Christ has power and has triumphed over death, hell, and the grave praise God! Not only that, but he has destroyed him who had the power of death-the devil (ref: Hebrews 2:14).

Rev 2:11 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.

As with the other churches, we have a promise to the faithful "overcomer." The one who overcomes, will not be hurt by the "second death." The scriptures say that it is "appointed unto man, once to die, but after this the judgement." Man, is a mortal being, and he will indeed one day stand before His maker. Those who have a living relationship with Christ, will appear at the judgement seat of Christ to receive his/her reward there for the things done in the body. Those that have rejected Christ and His teachings, will meet God at the White Throne judgement. This will be a sentencing hearing (not a place for a plea-bargain). All those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire. This dear friends, is the second death:

Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Praise God that the overcomer will not be hurt of the second death. I hope and pray that all who read this will be among the overcomers!

God bless you as you study His Word!

Next: The Church at Pergamos/Pergamum