Smyrna: The Persecuted
Notes
Transcript
v.8:
The second letter was addressed 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 large population.
Again, there is no doubt that it is Jesus who is speaking.
He represents Himself as eternal, which is very common in Revelation.
He shows Himself as the one who suffered death at the hands of His persecutors and then was resurrected from the grave.
This was particularly relevant to the Christians at Smyrna who, like Christ in His death, were experiencing severe persecution.
v.9:
Once again, He knows their works.
In this case, it was probably very comforting to the Christians in Smyrna to know that Christ knew all about their suffering.
In fact, Smyrna was one of only two of these seven churches that Jesus offered no rebuke.
They were being persecuted not only by pagan Gentiles but also by hostile Jews and by Satan himself.
Although they were Jews physically, they were not true Jews but spiritual pagans.
The Jews who were persecuting this church were not true Jews
The Jews who were persecuting this church were not true Jews
Romans 2:28
Romans 2:28
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;
They even allied with other pagans in putting Christians to death as they attempted to stamp out the Christian faith.
Jesus even refers to the local synagogue as the "synagogue of satan".
In the history of the church the most severe persecution has come from religionists.
A true believer is not just the outward appearance, but in the heart “not by works”
Being a true believer does not come from works, but from the heart
Being a true believer does not come from works, but from the heart
Titus 3:5
Titus 3:5
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
The true believer follows Jesus, not man-made laws or philosophy.
v.10:
Jesus offers a word of encouragement, and lets them know that they need not fear.
We need not fear those who would persecute us
We need not fear those who would persecute us
Matthew 10:28
Matthew 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
A healthy fear of God means we don't have to fear the world.
We don’t need to fear the world because we a secure in Christ.
No one or nothing can separate us from His love. We should take great comfort in that promise.
Its good and beneficial to have a healthy fear of the one who loves you so much.
Having said that, Jesus makes it quite clear the tribulations will befall them, and they will be quite severe.
Faithful Christians can expect trials, the Bible promises nothing less.
Faithful Christians can expect to undergo trials
Faithful Christians can expect to undergo trials
2 Timothy 3:12
2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
1 Peter 4:12-13
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Jesus makes it clear that satan will be the instrument of their suffering.
Though we may not always understand it, God does allow Satan to test believers (i.e Job).
These Christians would be imprisoned for their faith, and would face trials for the name of Christ.
Jesus says that the tribulations will be for ten days.
Whether or not this refers to ten literal days remains to be seen. The main take away here is that the period of testing will be limited.
Revelation 2:10 (DSB): It should be kept in mind that these letters to the churches had universal relevance as well as immediate applications to the particular churches addressed. Consequently the “ten days” must suggest a general Biblical principle which was intended to sustain any group of Christians facing persecution.
The ten day reference here is likely a limited period of testing, which would be a prelude to much greater trials..
The historical context should also be noted
Revelation 2:10 (EBC Heb-Re): In the first-century Roman world, prison was usually not punitive but the prelude to trial and execution, hence the words “Be faithful, even to the point of death.”
This church certainly faced trials, and many Christians were martyred in Smyrna over the next several centuries.
However, along with this promise of trials comes a promise of life.
Those who are faithful unto death would receive a crown of life
Those who are faithful unto death would receive a crown of life
Psalm 34:19
Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Matthew 5:10
Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
God will provide the ultimate deliverance to those who are martyred in the name of Christ.
Think about a crown of life being given to martyrs.
Life given in exchange for death. . . it's a picture of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
His death delivered life to us.
v.11:
This message of encouragement was one which Jesus desperately wanted this church to hear.
Believers and unbelievers alike experience physical death.
All people will be resurrected, but believers will be resurrected to eternal life with God while unbelievers will be resurrected to be punished with a second death, eternal separation from God in Hell.
Non-believers will be resurrected to a second death, eternity in hell
Non-believers will be resurrected to a second death, eternity in hell
Revelation 20:14-15
Revelation 20:14-15
Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:8
Revelation 21:8
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
The faithful, those who have accepted Christ as their Savior, need not fear the second death. It does not apply to the saved.
Thankfully Christ has done all the work of salvation, and there is nothing left for us than acceptance of Christ on faith.
Thankfully, Jesus has already done all the work, and made salvation easy. However, one must hear what Jesus says and respond in faith
Thankfully, Jesus has already done all the work, and made salvation easy. However, one must hear what Jesus says and respond in faith
Romans 10:17
Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:9
Romans 10:9
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
We have no need to fear trials.
We have no need to fear what satan or the world can do to us.
Believers are secure in the hands of a loving God.
It are the unbelievers who should fear, for they truly are sinners in the hands of an angry God.