End of Times: The Seven Churches - Smyrna

The 2nd church is Smyrna, here John records this in verses 8-11. “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say 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 cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until 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. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

Smyrna was a harbor town located on the west coast of Asia (Modern Day Izmir). It was considered a beautiful and prosperous town.

The message to the church is from Christ, the risen Christ. He is, “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life.”

verse 9, starts with the same thing Christ’s Spirit says to all the churches, “I know.” The Spirit knows and sees all. He is not unaware of our struggles and the good we seek. Here this church is being persecuted by false Jews, ones who follow the ways of evil, of Satan.

This church is about to suffer some hard persecution. Christ encourages them to, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This too may also pass during the great tribulation and many Christians will be thrown into prison and suffer greatly. And, as the message to Smyrna was relevant for them, so too, it is poignant for us today and our brothers and sisters in the future.

Verse 11 closes, with the same message, which I cannot reiterate enough, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Those whom have the true faith will not be hurt by the second death. The Spirit is referring to Revelation 20. 6 which reads, “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”

And Revelation 20.14, “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”

The second death is the final death of all that oppose God. For those whom have their faith in Christ, they will be with Him in eternal glory.

Know that real persecution is happening and will continue to get worse against Christ’s Church. The message to Smyrna is a great reminder to be faithful to the end.

May God bless you always!