The Church of Smyrna - Revelation

 

        I hope as we are going through the different churches in Revelation, you begin to see the message. Not only should we see the message, but we should see how critical and urgent the message is. As we will see in this post, there is one of two churches that had no negative feedback from Jesus. So, let's look at the letter to Smyrna.

        "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 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 for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto 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. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death."

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Re 2:8–11.

        The Church of Smyrna has come to be known as the "Persecuted Church" among Christian groups. I think by reading this letter, we can understand why. But more so, by understanding some of their history, it can better be understood the level of persecution. Polycarp was the Bishop of this church who was dragged from his home at eighty-six years old and martyred for his faith in Christ. This church was constantly under intense persecution from a group of national Jews, but they did not hold to the tradition of their ancestors. 

        What I find most interesting about this letter is the way Jesus introduces himself. 

        "The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life." - Jesus makes sure to justify his next statement by sharing his own pain, persecution and tribulation. We all know these people that show up during a horrible time in someone's life and say, "I know how you feel." The question always lingers, "do you really know what I'm going through?" We can rest assured that in fact, Jesus of all people, knows exactly what it's like and he is careful to remind them before he makes the statement. We could better understand his introduction like this, "It is me, the firstborn of all creation, who was, and who is, and who will always be. The one who was persecuted and put to death on the cross, yet, I rose again to eternal life, making a way for you." What a powerful way to start a letter of encouragement.

        “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 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,"  - He introduces himself as the "Persecuted One" because he needed them to understand that he did in fact know their pain. It was a way to encourage them through not only their current persecution, but also what was about to come their way. We have all come in contact with people in our lives that have been through some very tough times. These times have tested them and yet they were not broken. They continued to fight and persevere. This is likely because of an example they saw in someone else, and now they have become an example for others. That is why this is so encouraging! The beating that Jesus took was the harshest any man has ever undergone. Therefore, if he can stand firm, then anyone is capable when depending on the strength of the Holy Spirit. Jesu is encouraging them not to succumb to fear and to stand firm.

        Now, this next portion of the verses is one that I believe to be overlooked by many who teach the Book of Revelation. It also holds a key to end-time prophecy that is often overlooked. I am not going to get on a soap-box rant here, but if your church/ pastor is not teaching the Book of Revelation and discussing end-time prophecy regularly, get out and find one that will. It is imperative that we fully grasp the teachings and context of this book.   

        "and for ten days you will have tribulation" - There are two key takeaways from this particular portion of this letter. 

1. Ten Days - This represents the fact that the coming tribulation or persecution will be painful but will be short-lived and then your joy will be forever.
2. Ten - The number ten plays a very significant role in end-time prophecy. It is the number of horns on the head of the beast in Revelation 13:1. This persecution and tribulation will come by way of the world powers that will become hostile to the church. 

        We are very well aware that the antichrist will bring the major world governments together to rule as one government. He must succeed in making the "Church" appear inferior to himself because he will declare himself to be God. Though I do believe scripture to teach that the "The True Bride of Christ" will be raptured before the "Great Tribulation", I do also believe that just before the rapture, there will be increased hostility towards the Faith and some pretty intense persecution.   

        "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." - Here is his final word of encouragement. Even though you face death, remain faithful and I will hold true to my promise of eternal life.

        Listen, I have heard so many "Christians" talk about how God will not allow us to go through persecution  like we have seen in history. I always ask the question, "what does Jesus mean when he says, "I will separate the sheep from the goats?" Most people have no idea what that means. Better yet, Jesus will separate the wheat from the tares. This is a process that is done once the harvest is complete. Are we so arrogant to believe that we will escape this world based on our mere profession without being tested? If a church like Smyrna, as faithful and true as they were, went through extreme persecution and the testing of their faith, how do we think we can avoid this?

        I do believe many professing Christians are in for a rude awakening just before the rapture of the church, where their words will be put to the test to see if in fact they truly believe what they claim to believe. Or, will they buckle under the pressure.

God bless!