Smyrna and Pergamum

Pyrophobia, take a guess what that means? Well, “pyro” is the Greek word for fire and then “phobia” means fear. Therefore, pyrophobia means to have a fear of fire. Luckily, none of the youth had a fear of the bonfire that we had a couple of Friday’s ago. However, while I was at the store on Friday buying a few supplies, the checkout worker noticed that I was buying some things that are traditional buys for a bonfire, I think it was things to make smores. She had a genuine look of concern on her face and warned me to be careful and make sure all were safe around the fire. When I told her we were doing this with a group of teenagers, I could see a look of pure terror on her face. I assured her that we had enough chaperones to make sure everyone was careful and we were going to have a fun night.

You know, I haven’t thought about it much before that moment. I have always had fun times and happy memories made around the campfire or at the bonfire. Some however, have had harrowing experiences because of fire. Think about those who live out west and have to fear wildfires, how devastating? We have had wildfires close to us in Gatlinburg. Some have had the unfortunate experience of house fires and experienced great loss because of them. So for some, calling the Holy Spirit a flame or a fire may not be as comforting as its true meaning.

Let us Pray and Read the first of two passages we will read today.

Revelation 2:8–11 NRSV

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life: “I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. I know the slander on the part 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. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death.

How, that was short but not very sweet. Smyrna is located in present day Turkey and about 40 miles north of Ephesus. This town has a mixed group of Roman pagans and Jews. The Jews hate the Christians far more than the Romans at this point. The Christian have perverted their religion and there religious standing with the Roman government. Much of the persecution of the Christians in Smyrna was due to the Jews calling them out, taking them to court, and giving them a bad name. This poor church were heavily persecuted but the church continued to thrive even though many members would be put to death in horrific ways. About 100 years after John and this letter, Polycarp, who would be the Bishop after John’s death was put to death in his very old age. This is an amazing story with sadness and also with pride. His persecution changed many hearts and minds in Smyrna, so much so that it is said that his death ending the persecution that was happening there. Polycarp lived his years for the love of Christ, spreading the Gospel and pastoring the church under his care for many years, unafraid of the constant threats that surrounded them.

Many times did the town leaders try to persuade him to renounce Jesus. At first is was just a little temptation to give a sacrifice to Caesar, but he said no. They took him into the arena where thousands of citizens were there to watch the persecution happen like a modern day football game. The persuasions to renounce Christ grow stronger and harder to resist, yet old Polycarp never caved. Four times, five times, they threaten, hurt him, and bound him and he persisted to praise Christ with all that he had. Polycarp was strapped to a piece of wood and was to be nailed also to the wood so that he would not try to leave. Think about what happens when you accidentally touch a hot stove or a candle. You jerk your hand back, as it is normal human reaction to pain. Yet, even in this moment Polycarp stood firm through his time of death. Wow, do you think you could have that kind of strength and courage? We can only pray that we do, and know that God will give us this strength to face our own hardships in life. As long as we are faithful to follow His way, God is faithful to us.

Let us now read about the next church, Pergamum.

Revelation 2:12–17 NRSV

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know where you are living, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan lives. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel, so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and practice fornication. So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent then. If not, I will come to you soon and make war against them with the sword of my mouth. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.

Pergamum was the city of the gods. It was the founding place of Zeus and the other Greek gods who where worshipped. The city was located on a sharp rugged hill that extends a thousand feet higher than the surrounding plain below. It is also the capital of Asia. Therefore, this land had a rich history before the church ever spread side its fortress-like acropolis. There were many temples dedicated to the various Greek and Roman gods. To worship them was not just a religious activity but it was ingrained in the very culture and everyday activities of the citizens. This means that it was more than temptation that hurt the church, but a hard habit to break that would separate themselves from all that they know and love. Everyone made regular sacrifices and also made profit off of providing means of divination, such as psychic readings and fortune telling. So if Christians were not to participant in divination, then how would they have any resources to provide for their families? Some apparently continued on in their work and kept up with their old way of life.

This passage references events outlined in the Book of Numbers in the Old Testament. Balaam was a very popular seer, a prophet not of the Lord. He would not only council kings and military leaders on battle strategies but would place curses on peoples enemies for a price. We also hear of the Nicolatians again who thought all of this was fine and even necessary to live in their day and age.

Wow, how is one to conquer such evil that seeks to do such harm to ourselves and our families? Could you imagine living as a part of any of these churches? Would you have the wisdom, peace and strength of Polycarp? Or would you bend and break like some in the church of Pergamum just so you could have a normal life and provide for your family?

In our suffering, it can be hard to see the future reward. When we are in our worst of situations, it is easy to wonder if God is truly for us. For many suffering persecution today, they may have thought that God may have left them. God never leaves us. Even in our worst times of suffering, God provides for His people. God gives His people Manna, in the place of hunger. God gives us ever lasting water in the place of thirst. Jesus gives us redemption for our shame. He gives us peace and endurance in the face of chaos and pain. The Spirit gives us victory over the darkness of the unknown. We are able to survive through the gift of God’s Holy Spirit. We do not go through any suffering without His providence. On this we have to have faith. When we trust God to help us in our time of need, even to help our loved ones when we cannot give them all they need, God provides. God is faithful and always there for His people. In the face of your greatest fears and deepest pains, do you believe this?