The Flame That Endures
Lessons from the Church in Smyrna
This article is the second installment regarding the letters to the seven churches in Revelations 2 and 3.
Exiled to the island of Patmos, John was instructed to write letters to the seven early Christian churches. Based on the church’s specific situation, Jesus evaluated their spiritual condition and offered promises, corrections, and encouragement.
These timeless teachings are still relevant and useful for the modern church. This is also applicable to individuals who are God’s children (1 Cor. 6:19–20; 1 Cor. 3:16–17; Rom. 12:1; Rom. 8:9; Rom. 14:8).
This article examines the letter to the Church in Smyrna. In the same fashion as the first article in the letter to the Church in Ephesus, I will provide a brief background on the city. I will also discuss the church’s spiritual condition and the letter conveyed to Smyrna. Next, I will analyze the implications the letter has for today’s church. Finally, I will conclude with an invitation to examine ourselves, make the necessary changes for our salvation, and witness.
The Seven Churches
The seven important early churches to whom John wrote letters were in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey): Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These churches exemplified the various issues and characteristics inherent in the greater Christian community at the time.
The Letters
Under the direction of Jesus, the head of the church (Col. 1:8), John addressed the letters to the angels of the individual churches. Both the Greek and Hebrew words translate “angel” as “messenger”. This reference to recipients may refer to pastors of those churches, spiritual angels, or messengers charged with communication on behalf of those congregations (Got Questions Ministries).
Please note that these letters have a specific flow. In each, the Lord describes himself in such a way that gives insight into the church’s situation. Then Jesus provides unique details about the church. He then offers the church a challenge or correction, after which he follows with a promise. It is thought that John followed this format to affirm that he was writing at Jesus’ dictation.
After providing a brief background on the city of each church, I will use the same approach as the letters. I will then follow with a discussion about the content’s relevance to today’s church.
2. Church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11)
Background of the City
Smyrna was a wealthy commercial hub and port city. The city was a center of learning and culture, with many philosophers, poets, and writers of the day (Homer) residing there. Smyrna was well known for its theaters, libraries, and schools and was considered an intellectual center.
The city hosted a variety of religions, and as such, many temples for Greek gods and goddesses were constructed. Smyrna’s strong allegiance to Rome was subject to the Roman Imperial cults that required the citizens to worship the reigning emperor. There was also a large Jewish population, with a section of Jews (in name only) who were hostile to the Church and made it difficult for Christians (Ephesus Travel Guide).
For instance, Polycarp, one of John’s mentees, was martyred because he refused to accept Caesar as Lord. After surviving having lions unleashed on him and burning at the stake, he died at the hands of a Roman soldier, who pierced him with a dagger.
Over the centuries, the city faced periods of decline because of earthquakes and invasions. However, Smyrna survived and remained important because it was rebuilt several times. After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, Smyrna’s name was changed to Izmir.
Today, Izmir is the third-largest city in Turkey and has the second-busiest port in the country.
The Letter to Church of Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11)
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna, write: The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.” (Rev. 2:8 ESV)
Identifying himself as the first and the last, Jesus signified his eternal existence through his death and resurrection. He created all things (John 1:3 ESV) and will exist forever (Rev. 1:8 ESV). This also provides a clue to the type of message Jesus is going to convey in the letter.
Praise
Jesus comforted the church in Smyrna by acknowledging their sufferings and saying that he saw their afflictions, wrongful persecution, and poverty. Though Smyrna flourished economically, the church was destitute due to the persecutions by those influential but spiritually bankrupt Jews. However, Jesus said the church was spiritually rich! He says he also knows about the slander from those Jews (who are Jews in name only) and that it is from the devil himself (Rev. 2:9).
Prophecy
Jesus had no correction for the church in Smyrna. However, he told them not to fear what they were about to suffer. He stated, “the devil is about to throw some of you in prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation.”(Rev. ). The ten days may have referred to the ten periods of intense persecution, called The Great Persecution, which occurred from 303 to 313 AD. These persecutions began with Nero and ended with Diocletian at the end of the third century. Jesus encourages them to be faithful unto death and “I will give you a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10 ESV).
Promise
Jesus concludes with, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death” (Rev. 2: 11 ESV). In this, the second death is separation from God forever and sentenced to the lake of fire.
Today’s Significance
Like the church of Smyrna, Christians are persecuted worldwide in obvious and insidious ways. Jesus warns all Christians that they will suffer. Although we may suffer, the length of tribulation will be short compared to the promise of eternal life.
Contrary to popular belief, persecution is expected for Christians. Jesus told us:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obey my teaching, they will obey yours also.” (John 15:18–21 ESV).
“Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim. 3:12).
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” (1 Pet. 4:12–18 ESV).
So, what should we do?
“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.” (Rev. 2:10 ESV). Jesus states that the one who is victorious will not be hurt by the second death (you will spend eternity with Christ).
Despite facing poverty and slander, be encouraged to remain faithful unto death. Jesus assures us: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
Isaiah 43:20 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (ESV).
The Lesson:
As an ambassador for Christ, you will be persecuted. Expect it. Wear your trials for Christ as a badge of honor, remembering the promise of eternal reward to those who persevere. Don’t concern yourself with how the world sees you. All that matters is Christ. And he states that you are rich.
Reflection:
Thousands of years after the letter to the church in Smyrna, people all over the world are persecuted. Some are losing their livelihood, being beaten, and even being killed because of their faith in Christ.
You may not be experiencing this level of persecution. But if you faced such a challenge, would you proclaim your loyalty to Christ?
What would it take for you to deny your faith?
Are you a stealth Christian (you blend in with the world—you dress, talk, and act like someone who does not know Christ)?
A time is coming where you will not be able to work, buy, or sell if you do not have the mark that denies Christ. It will be placed on your hand or forehead, and it will be a global law. If you do not get this mark, you will die.
Think about what it means to be with Jesus forever. Or what it means to be separated from him forever.
Will you deny the mark, or will you deny Jesus?
For those who are experiencing persecution:
You may not be experiencing the torture that other Christians around the world are going through. But that does not minimize your level of persecution.
Whether you are mocked, humiliated, criticized, or ostracized, or you’ve experienced the extremes of physical pain and torture, Jesus sees, knows, and understands. He experienced all the persecution and death on the cross. But he conquered death through his death, burial, and resurrection. And he promises that if we overcome, we will be with him for eternity.
My brother, my sister, as you ponder these reflections, please know that you have an opportunity now to examine your relationship with Christ.
You may not be where you should be, but you can repent and start anew.
But please do not delay, for the next moment is not promised to any of us.
Reflection Scriptures
Mark 8:35–36
2 Corinthians 5:8
2 Corinthians 4:16–18; 5:1
Psalm 30:5
Romans 8:18
2 Timothy 3:12
Matthew 24:9
Revelation 6:9
James 1:2–4
1 Peter 4:12–18
References:
Britannica Group (n.d.). St. Polycarp, Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Polycarp
Christian History Institute (n.d.). Polycarp’s Martyrdom. https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/polycarp/
Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers (n.d.),. Revelations, Chapter 2. ESV.org. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://www.esv.org/Revelation+2/
Free Text Bible Commentaries — Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/
Got Questions Ministries. (n.d.). Revelations, Chapter 2. BibleRef. Retrieved March 23, 2024, from https://www.bibleref.com/Revelation/2/Revelation-chapter-2.html
TransBalkan Tours (n.d.). History of Ancient Smyrna. Ephesus Travel Guide. https://www.ephesustravelguide.com/blog/smyrna
Logos Bible Software (n.d.). To the Church in Smyrna. App.Logos.com | Faithlife Study Bible. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://app.logos.com/books/LLS%3AFSB/references/bible.87.2.1?
