The Church in Smyrna

Revelation 2:8–11 ESV

“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.’

Greeting

To Smyrna -

“a large and wealthy city 35 miles north of Ephesus. Like Ephesus, it was a seaport. In contrast to Ephesus, which today is a deserted ruin, Smyrna is still a large seaport with a present population of about 200,000.” (BKC, 934)

“The name Smyrna means “bitter” and is related to the word myrrh.” (Wiersbe)

Walvoord - “While the Christians of the church at Smyrna were experiencing the bitterness of suffering, their faithful testimony was like myrrh or sweet perfume to God”

How does Jesus address himself?

the first and the last - beginning and the end. he does not use the greek letters Alpha and Omega here, but rather the concepts - beginning (protos) and end (eschatos). - in other words, he is eternal (BKC).

who died and came to life - I think this is an appropriate title or descriptor, especially given the commendation he has for the church.

“The assembly at Smyrna was persecuted for the faith, which explains why the Lord emphasized His death and resurrection as He opened His message. No matter what experiences God’s people may have, their Lord identifies with them.” (Wiersbe)

Commendation (9)

They are suffering and poor (extremely poor) - apparently this was something out of the ordinary.

Jesus commends their wealth though - the riches they have in Him.

How does being reminded of our wealth in Christ help us? (provides eternal perspective to “momentary and light afflictions” (2 Cor. 4:17)

Correction/Rebuke

What is the correction that Jesus gives to this church? - none - unlike the letters to the other churches, he does not correct any theology or action.

Wiersbe: “They may not have enjoyed the approval of men, but they certainly received the praise of God.”

Exhortation (10a)

Don’t fear what you will suffer

suffering will come

he mentions 10 days: “Some have taken these words “for 10 days” as a symbolic representation of the entire persecution of the church; others think it refers to 10 persecutions under Roman rulers. The most probable meaning is that it anticipated a limited period of time for suffering” (Walvoord, 935)

What is the purpose of suffering?

Why do believers suffer?

Walvoord writes: “The problem of human suffering, even for a limited time, has always perplexed faithful Christians. Suffering can be expected for the ungodly, but why should the godly suffer? The Scriptures give a number of reasons. Suffering may be (1) disciplinary (1 Cor. 11:30–32; Heb. 12:3–13), (2) preventive (as Paul’s thorn in the flesh, 2 Cor. 12:7), (3) the learning of obedience (as Christ’s suffering, Heb. 5:8; cf. Rom. 5:3–5), or (4) the providing of a better testimony for Christ (as in Acts 9:16).” (ibid)

Promise (10b-11)

The were encouraged to be faithful - even unto death. As a result they would receive the “crown of life.”

Walvoord: ““The crown of life” is one of several crowns promised to Christians (cf. 1 Cor. 9:25; 1 Thes. 2:19; 2 Tim. 4:6–8; 1 Peter 5:4; Rev. 4:4). The crown of life is also mentioned in James 1:12. Believers are encouraged to be faithful by contemplating what awaits them after death, namely, eternal life.” (935)

Sources:

Walvoord, John F. “Revelation.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996. Print.