Rev 2 8-11 Smyrna Study

From: Jesus via John. Emphasis on Jesus death and resurrection. Perhaps also prior and after existence? Divinity? Isa 44:6 Smyrna thought of itself as first in Asia. Smyrna was destroyed in 600 BC and resurrected in 290 BC greater.

To: The church in Smyrna. One of the most prosperous cities in Asia Minor. Now Izmir, second largest city in Turkey. Economic resurgence may be alluded to by death-resurrection motif. Probably founded by Paul (Acts 19

Story of Polycarp: In AD 155 the bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp, was burned alive for refusing to call Caesar "Lord" during an extensive persecution instigated by the Jews. The Jews helped gather wood to burn Polycarp on the Sabbath.

Polycarp was arrested on the charge of being a Christian -- a member of a politically dangerous cult whose rapid growth needed to be stopped. Amidst an angry mob, the Roman proconsul took pity on such a gentle old man and urged Polycarp to proclaim, "Caesar is Lord". If only Polycarp would make this declaration and offer a small pinch of incense to Caesar's statue he would escape torture and death. To this Polycarp responded, "Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" Steadfast in his stand for Christ, Polycarp refused to compromise his beliefs, and thus, was burned alive at the stake.

Words

Tribulation hard times, not capitalized here.

Poverty: poor in Spirit (Matt 5), rich in faith (James 2:5

blasphemy: abusive speech or personal mockery. Blasphemy is used by Paul of persecuting Christians or, in Acts, disagreeing with the content of Paul's message. Jesus is not God, would be blasphemy.

Synagogue of Satan Jews allowed to practice their religion, not emperor worship. Probably trying to denounce Christians as not eligible for that. Christians saying we are the true Jews. Jews thus become "adversaries" and in league with the adversary. Parallel: John 8:31ff

the devil synonymous with Satan. Different word used for emphasis?

tested / tempt. Divine passive, likely God's purpose to test. Or is it Satan's opportunity to tempt? Both and! When offered dessert: pumpkin pie or vanilla ice cream, the correct answer is "yes please"

tribulation for 10 days. Likely reference to Daniel 1e righteous Jews for 10 days on their diet. They prove to be strong on the diet of vegetables and water. Either way, a short but serious time of testing. Short enough to have an end, long enough to require severe risk.

Be faithful unto death. Reference back to death and resurrection theme.

overcomes What does victory look like? Faithfulness unto death. Parallel to Rev 12:11ord of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

second death Revelations 20:14 "This is the second death, the lake of fire"

Observations

This church (and Philadelphia) no weaknesses! Least significant in numbers and influence.

The joy of suffering: Phil 3:10, Heb. 12:11

Poor in an antagonistic environment. Rome was antagonistic toward new religions... but you are rich. Contrast with Laodicea: rich economically but poor spiritually.

There are no promises of an easy life in Scripture. Instead there are promises of divine comfort and blessing in the midst of suffering.

Video game parallel: not that much fear to die in a video game, you just hop on back to a save point. The reality of Christian life is one better, you get a life upgrade. To live is Christ to die is gain.

Questions

How and where do we draw the lines of faithfulness?

Extremes are easy:

Renounce God? No. Faithful unto death.

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy? Okay... where do I draw those lines?

To what extent should we be facing regular tribulation or trial? Is there something wrong when we are not facing tribulation or trial at any given moment? No. Is there something wrong when we have never faced opposition over our Christian faith, testimony, activity, or witness? Perhaps. Probably. Yes.

Inoffensive Christianity

James: blessed are you when... not when you seek it out, but when you are persecuted for Christ's sake.

Application thoughts

How inoffensive have I made my Christianity?

Where am I going to stand?